Double blow for postal services

Two local Post Offices will close this year after RS McColl announced that it would not be renewing the leases for two of its stores.

The service within the Main Street store in Barrhead is to close on June 10, with the RS McColls at the Broom shops in Newton Mearns earmarked for closure in September.

Residents in Barrhead have started a campaign to save their services, while those in Newton Mearns were shocked to see a ‘To Let’ sign put up last week.

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One resident who contacted The Extra said: “I was shocked when I saw the sign as there was no warning.

“Staff didn’t have any idea that this was on the cards.

“They asked the men what was happening and they just said that they had been instructed to put it up.

“It could be that someone will take over the premises and keep the post office but there is no guarantee is there?

“It covers a large area and there is a lot of concerns raised, especially among the older residents. What will happen now?”

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An RS McColl’s spokesman said: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the McColl’s store on Mearns Road in Newton Mearns.

“The store is due to close in September 2018.

“We are saddened that we will no longer be operating the store and our priority is to support all affected colleagues.

“We look forward to continuing to serve our Newton Mearns customers in the Avenue shopping centre store, which also offers Post Office facilities.”

A Post Office spokesman added: “We would like to reassure customers we are committed to maintaining a Post Office service in the area and are assessing options to ensure these vital services – from every day banking to a wide range of postal services – are sustained for the local community.”