Support for post office campaign

Closures and reduced services are expected in the Highlands

A Cromarty community's campaign to keep its post office open has won backing.

Saltburn and Westwood Community Council is concerned a plan to close branches and reduce services in the Highlands will impact on their office.

Local councillors Martin Rattray, Mike Finlayson, Carolyn Wilson and Maxine Smith have offered their support.

Highland Council has set up a discussion forum on its website and will forward the comments received to Post Office Ltd.

The website is http://thc.highlandlife.net/post_office_consultation.

Plans to cut or downgrade almost 30 post offices in some of Scotland's most rural areas were announced earlier this month.

Proposals for the Highlands would see 18 branches closed and 11 replaced by reduced services.

The Post Office said most residents in the area would see no change to their current service, or would be within a mile from an alternative branch.

The public has been asked for their views on the plans, which would see 180 Highland branches remain open.