Post Office Ltd is seeking public feedback on its plans to relocate Invergordon Post Office following the resignation of subpostmaster Jimmy MacDonald. It wants to open a new branch 60 yards from the current premises at 96 High Street to within a convenience store run by John Murray at 83 High Street.

The move has been pencilled in for August. Local community representatives meanwhile are to be told about the move and asked for their views during a six-week consultation period which started last Friday. Post office Ltd says customers will benefit from "a brand new, modern, purpose-built serving counter within a large convenience store" and extended hours that will see it open from Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 12.30pm. It says level access with a wide door at the entrance will benefit customers with mobility constraints.

And it says customers will be able to access all the services they can at present with the addition of online lottery internally. Also planned is a hearing loop system and a low-level writing desk and serving counter.

Alex MacLean, field change advisor, said the relocation would improve facilities and help safeguard post office services in the long-term.

Contacted for comment, Cromarty Firth councillor Maxine Smith, who has a business in the town, said, "It is disappointing to see Jimmy giving up the post office as he has done such a good job for so many years for the public of Invergordon. However, I am pleased to see there is the possibility of it relocating elsewhere on the High Street. Mr Murray's shop is in an ideal location and as long as it is all set up properly I have no issue with it being there and I would trust that Mr Murray, who wishes to take over the post office services for the town, will do his best to ensure the transition goes smoothly and people are not inconvenienced. I wish him all the best with his new venture."

Post Office Ltd are launching a six week consultation period to seek feedback from customers and other local interest groups on any issues which they would like to be considered prior to a final decision being made on this proposal.

Anyone with any comments or concerns about the relocation can write to Alex MacLean, C/o Post Office Ltd, National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW.

Friday, July 3 is the closing date for any enquiries.

editor@rsjournal.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---