Mobile post office service on hold in parts of Ross-shire due to coronavirus
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A MOBILE Post Office service brought in to help plug gaps in provision in several Ross-shire communities has been temporarily put on hold at one of the busiest times of the year.
A mobile service run from a van has been serving communities including Conon Bridge, Ardross, Evanton, Munlochy and Hilton.
Part of the reason is down to a number if branches within Spar stores closing because of operational decisions made outwith the control of the Post Office. In Conon, the operator resigned and the CJ Lang premises in Station Road were withdrawn for Post Office use in October.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “The new mobile post office service for the Dingwall area has unfortunately temporarily stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic and staffing issues.
“The service is normally provided by the postmaster for Dingwall and her team. Dingwall Post Office is open as normal, but there is unfortunately insufficient staff to also operate the mobile post office.
“We sincerely apologise for not being able to provide the mobile service to 10 communities in the lead up to Christmas. Service will resume as soon as possible.
“In the interim, customers are advised to check www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder for the details of alternative branches and the current opening times.”
The Post Office said in October that a mobile service “is a tried and tested way to serve smaller communities”.
The information has been shared on a number of local forums.
Charles Urquhart posted to a local Facebook forum in Maryburgh: “So the mighty Post Office who have been closing branches willy-nilly can’t muster up a relief operator.
“A lot of elderly depending on the Post Office have been treated with contempt. There should have been contingency plan in case of illness or holiday cover.”
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