Balintore community turns out in force to send clear message of opposition to closure of post office counter within Spar store
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Easter Ross community today appealed for a change of heart over the closure of a lifeline post office branch.
The branch within the Spar in Balintore is amongst those set to close amongst plans announced by CJ Lang and Sons who own the store.
It is one of several affected across Scotland.
Balintore and Hilton Community Council has enlisted the support of local MP Jamie Stone in appealing for a change of heart in a letter signed by 60 local residents.
Community council chairwoman Jennifer McCann said: "At the Balintore and Hilton community council, we are obviously very devastated at the idea of the post office closing.
"We know how important it is to so many people in the villages, particularly as we have so many elderly people who live here and who rely on the services. The Post Office is the hub of our community and it's desperately needed by all residents, so we really do not want it to close. We will do everything we can at the Balintore community council to prevent that outcome."
Local resident, Robert Mckenzie, said: "This is a major blow to this rural community. I use the Balintore Post Office regularly, and it will be a big loss. It will be a particularly hard blow for elderly residents and those without cars. It is bad enough to start closing the counter at 3pm because of Covid, never mind closing down altogether. I hope the decision can be reversed.”
MP Jamie Stone said: “The turn out in support here today shows how important this Post Office is to the people of Balintore and the seaboard villages across Easter Ross.
"Across the Highlands, bank and post office closures have been really badly felt by our communities. The Post Office are willing to support businesses who want to host their services. We must make sure that their vital contribution to our local economy remains and that's why we're here getting signatures for our open letter to SPAR owners, CJ Lang and Sons.
"I am optimistic they will review their decision in light of the strength of local feeling and of local need. Let's get as many signatures as we can to really send the message!"
The SPAR has said that to ensure its continued operation in communities across the region, 31 stores will no longer be able to offer Post Office services.
It said the decision came after being carefully considered and following 18 months of negotiations with Post Office Limited.
Full text of letter
All here undersigned were deeply distressed to discover that the Post Office in Balintore is set to close.
We urge you to reconsider this decision in light of local feeling and indeed, local need. It would be our pleasure to discuss the future of our post office with you, the Balintore Community Council, and Jamie Stone MP at your earliest convenience. It is our understanding that the Post Office has on several occasions reached out to discuss potential support in order to keep the Post Office open, but this has been turned down.
The rural community of the Seaboard Villages depends on its Post Office. It provides essential postal, banking, pension and many other services to those who cannot access services further afield. The next nearest available full Post Office facility being a 14-mile round trip in Tain. This is not feasible for many residents without a car. Local bus services are irregular in ‘normal’ times; at present, due to COVID, public transport is especially reduced.
As you will see from the comments of residents below, it will also be a major blow for elderly people – many of whom do not drive – and many of the small businesses in our community. Employment and enterprise are fundamental to keeping the Highlands going. Depopulation is a curse in communities like ours and you have the power to help us keep people here and indeed, encourage young people who grew up here and left to return to the place they call home. Without crucial amenities like the Post Office, Balintore is not a viable option for many people to continue living and working in.
Balintore Community Council reached out to residents for their views to be included in this open letter. Please see them enclosed below – it is vital their views are considered by you in any decision making process regarding the closure of this local amenity: “This is a major blow to this rural community. I use the Balintore Post Office regularly, and it will be a big loss. It will be a particularly hard blow for elderly residents and those without cars. It is bad enough to start closing the counter at 3 pm because of Covid, never mind closing down altogether. I hope the decision can be reversed.” – Robert Mackenzie
“We need this facility. We do not all have cars, and going to Tain is not always an option. The service is excellent; please do not close it. The whole community needs the Post Office.” – Catherine Maclean
“Please keep the PO counter open at Balintore. Rural Post Offices are a lifeline to small communities with residents often unable to use public transport to other branches. Balintore PO (pre-covid) had excellent late-night hours. It was excellent for my small business to be able to access PO counter services. Please reconsider!” – Isla Scaman
“What a disastrous decision for a small local community that depends on this post office. I hope this decision can be reversed for the people in the Seaboard Community and beyond.” – Kerry Vass
“Disastrous idea. This service is used by the wider community and is an asset to the village and the shop. The service provided is superb and greatly helps to support the local economy.” – Leigh Mackenzie
Thank you for taking the time to read our open letter. We look forward to your response as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact Jenny McCann or Jamie Stone MP on the following details to make an arrangement.
