There was confusion over the future of a Perth post office which has been beset by controversy.
While the local authority appears to believe that the Letham branch has been earmarked for closure, Post Office Ltd maintains that it has no such plan. To add to the apparent uncertainty, the shop frontage currently bears a “For Sale” sign.
At next week’s meeting of the development management committee, councillors will run the rule over plans to turn the branch into a hot food takeaway.
Perth and Kinross Council paperwork states that the branch in Rannoch Road will be closed “as a result of the difficult economic climate” and says that “an alternative use is appropriate, rather than the premises lying vacant”.
A spokesman for Post Office Ltd has described the council’s position as “strange” and insisted the branch has a long-term future.
More than 50 people have objected to the proposal to open a hot food takeaway at the site. A petition to save the post office branch, with 87 signatories, has also been submitted to the council.
However, Perth planners have recommended that politicians approve the application to turn it into a takeaway.
In a report to go before councillors on November 13, development quality manager Nick Brian wrote: “I sympathise with many of the letters of representation and note that the post office is currently used by a number of locals who may not have the means to access the city centre to use the post office facilities.
“However the planning authority cannot insist on the post office remaining open and clearly the economic circumstances have dictated that this particular branch is scheduled for closure.
“In addition, even if this current application for change of use was refused it would not result in the retention of the post office.”
Perth-based restaurateur Chi Ko Ng is behind the bid to open a hot food takeaway.
In a letter to the council, he said: “We would like to introduce a new fish and chip takeaway at this area, as currently there (is) only one fish and chip shop, and when we introduce new takeaway, it allows the local community to have choices.”
Letham post office closed unexpectedly in December 2012 and reopened a few days later. A 52-year-old woman was reported to the procurator fiscal in April in connection with alleged embezzlement.
The branch remains open with a temporary sub-postmaster in place.
The Courier contacted Post Office Ltd and a spokesman said he is aware of the planning application.
He went on: “The Post Office does not own these premises. However, we have no plans to close or relocate the branch and have not been served notice to vacate the building.
“The Post Office is committed to maintaining services for customers in Letham. We would like to assure customers that they will be kept informed of any changes to the service.”
The Courier understands that Letham post office will be discussed at a local meeting of the National Federation of Sub-postmasters next week.
A source at the Perth branch, who asked not to be named, said: “At the moment there isn’t actually a vacancy in Letham.
“Despite the recommendation for approval, everyone expects the planning application to be refused. We will make every effort to ensure that a post office keeps running at that location.”