'Dismay' over post office switch

Mr Moore has expressed dismay at plans for the prominent building

A Borders MP has said he is "dismayed" at proposals to move Galashiels post office to a WH Smith store.

Lib Dem Michael Moore said he was concerned that consultation on the move - set to start on 9 May - was a "sham".

He met Post Office Managing Director Alan Cook to discuss the plans which will see a total of 11 main branches in Scotland moved.

The Post Office has said it is the only way to make its services viable in many towns across the country.

Mr Moore said he feared that the consultation could not stop the transfers taking place.

The Post Office may be clear in its intentions, but it is now up to all of us locally to show them that they are making the wrong decision Michael Moore MP

As well as Galashiels, it is planned to move post offices in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dalkeith, Fort William, Glasgow, Glenrothes, Greenock, Kirkintilloch, St Andrews and Stirling.

"Apart from the news that there will be no compulsory redundancies, I am dismayed about the way that this closure is taking place," said Mr Moore.

"The consultation looks like it is a sham.

"The Post Office may be clear in its intentions, but it is now up to all of us locally to show them that they are making the wrong decision."

Double impact

He said the move would have a double impact on the town.

"The staff look as though they are to be short-changed by this process and Galashiels will end up with a key building lying empty in the middle of the town," he said.

"I remain to be convinced that the new arrangements will be an appropriate alternative."

Consultation on the plans is due to run for six weeks with all the moves completed by autumn 2008.