Threatened city post office saved

An Edinburgh post office under threat from being axed has been saved following a campaign by residents, politicians and the Army.

The Oxgangs branch on Oxgangs Broadway had been put forward for closure in October after two other branches at Calder Crossway and Elm Row were saved.

It follows a six-week consultation on the future of the branch which started on 4 November.

The Post Office said the views of 3,500 customers had been taken on board.

During the consultation, the Post Office said it received strong evidence relating to the high number of elderly people within the community, many of whom depend on home helps and carers.

Sally Buchanan, Post Office development manager for Scotland, said following the review, they concluded that some vulnerable customers could have considerable difficulties accessing alternative branches.

"Oxgangs will remain in the network following a full review of all the feedback and issues raised during the public consultation"
Sally Buchanan
Post Office

She said in addition, we noted the projected increase later this year in the number of Armed forces personnel at the nearby barracks.

She added: "Oxgangs will remain in the network following a full review of all the feedback and issues raised during the public consultation.

"I am grateful to everyone who participated in the process. Postwatch, the consumer body representing Post Office customers, has verified the correct consultation procedures were followed."

The news comes as the Post Office opened a six-week public consultation on its proposal to replace Ecclefechan Post Office with a hosted outreach service.

The Post Office proposes the replacement of the branch at High Street, Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire with a hosted post office, operating for 12 hours per week, over four days, Monday to Thursday, from the Costcutters Store in the village.

The Post Office also confirmed that Cuminestown Post Office and Rothienorman Post Office in Aberdeenshire will be replaced with a mobile outreach service.

It proposes the replacement of the branch at Main Street, Cuminestown, Turriff, with a mobile post office, operating for 12 hours a week over five days.

Post Office Limited also proposes replacing the branch at Main Street, Rothienorman, Inverurie, with a mobile post office operating for a total of 12 hours a week over five days.

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