Angus Glens Could Benefit From Outreach Post Office Services

 

 

Angus MP Mike Weir is seeking views on the provision of outreach services in rural areas of Angus ahead of the Post Office review of post office services due to be published in late May.

 

As part of the review process the Post Office has been looking at providing Outreach services, a mobile service or a shared service with another body, in areas which do not meet the new national access criteria, such as parts of the Angus glens. Mr Weir has pursued the issue of extending such services to additional areas which have previously lost post office services, and post office management have recently confirmed that they will consider this.

 

“Outreach services give a limited post office service and are no substitute for existing post offices, but in areas which have previously lost their post offices and currently have no service they could lead to an improvement in the situation.”

 

“ It is vital that communities consider now what the impact of any closures of existing post offices would have since the public consultation period once the plan is published is a totally inadequate six weeks.”

 

“I would urge people in areas that presently have no service to also consider what they would wish by means of an outreach service if it was to be made available. It is possible that such services could bring at least a limited service to those areas which presently have none.”

 

“I recently inspected one of the mobile offices that are being trialled and was impressed by the range of services that could be offered. I would like to hear from rural constituents on what services they would like and the timings and frequency that would best suit their particular needs.”

 

“It is vital that we not only seek to retain those post offices we have in Angus but use this opportunity to try and extend services.”

 

Anyone wishing to make representations should contact Mr Weir’s offices at 2 Grampian Park, Forfar  (01307) 463475, 10a George Street Montrose ( 01674 675743) or 16 Brothock Bridge Arbroath ( 01241 874522) or by email at weirm@parliament.uk