Post Offices in Forfar, Edzell and Kirriemuir will close and services transfer to other local shops it has been confirmed.
There was a glimmer of light for some local customers earlier this month, with news that Westmuir Post Office had been saved.
However, this latest, anticipated news will be seen as a dark but long-forecast cloud by many in the community, who are concerned their local services are being degraded.
Angus MP Mike Weir expressed “disappointment and frustration” at the outcome of the public consultations on the post office moves.
He said: “I am disappointed and frustrated that, yet again, despite widespread public concern, both these proposals are going ahead.
“In both Forfar and Kirriemuir these are the only post offices serving the communities and both are now to be effectively changed from dedicated facilities to become parts of another business, however it may be dressed up as a “new-style” post office .
Mr Weir met Post Office Limited representatives to raise issues around the proposals, as well as making detailed written observations on parking issues around the Forfar proposal.
He refused to accept the assertions of post office officials that parking at the new location in Forfar is “broadly comparable to the existing branch”.
The MP said: “What we are seeing in Angus is major changes in post office provision across the whole county, with public consultation only being undertaken at a late stage, when it often appears that we are being presented with a done deal. That does nothing to enhance public confidence in the process.”
That echoes a view held by Angus Council leader Iain Gaul, who felt the whole consultation process was a “box ticking exercise”.
Services in Forfar will now relocate from High Street to a shop on East High Street, with key dates to be confirmed.
Edzell’s High Street branch will close on February 14 and reopen in the Wee Market Shop, High Street, on February 16.
Kirriemuir’s Reform Street outlet shuts at close of play on February 24 and begins serving customers the next day at Thistle News & Gifts, High Street.
Elsewhere in Angus, Brechin’s Clerk Street post office closes at 1pm and starts operating at Hendry’s newsagent, Swan Street, at the same time on February 25.
The Monifieth consultation, which proposes changes to existing branches and services, closed on December 31. A decision is expected shortly.
Consultation regarding Timmergreens post office in Arbroath and a proposed move next door to RS McColl newsagent continues until February 6.
The Post Office has sought to reassure Angus residents that any changes are not a down-grading of services but part of a major modernisation programme.