The fallout over the relocation of Perth Crown post office has continued with a claim that the move had “let down the people” of the city.
Following a six-week public consultation, the Post Office announced that the South Street branch will close on Wednesday February 19 next year, with the new branch within WH Smith in the High Street open for business the next morning.
The future of the 11 staff remains unclear as they may be unwilling to take up the option of transferring to a new employer.
The Post Office has maintained that the move will mean improved hours and seven-day opening for the public but the relocation has met with little enthusiasm from local politicians.
Councillor Ian Miller, leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “I am extremely disappointed to hear this news.
“The Crown post office in South Street is an important driver of trade for local shops and businesses, and a major reason for people to visit the city centre. The current post office is in an ideal location, with bus stops nearby and a busy passing trade.
“Perth is one of Scotland’s cities and it deserves to have a stand-alone Crown post office situated in the city centre.
“I fear that this decision by the Post Office to downgrade facilities in Perth will lead to a reduction in service for members of the public and it fails to take account of the widespread concern expressed during the consultation period.”
Roseanna Cunningham MSP slated the decision, saying that, though the South Street office lies just outside her constituency: “This move gives a real sense of the Post Officedowngrading their commitment to Perth and I simply cannot see why the stand-alone Crown post office that has served Perth so well for many years should become a secondary part of a retail operation.”
MSP Annabelle Ewing said: “I think this is the wrong decision for Perth, the wrong decision for the Post Office and the wrong decision for local people.
“Post Office Ltd have let down the people of Perth.”