By Lucy Ashton
A village post office has sent out a use it or lose it message to customers. Growing numbers of patrons have ceased to use Garelochhead Post Office since it was threatened with closure.
But now the branch has secured a stay of execution after proprietor, Anne McQueen, reached an interim agreement with Post Office chiefs.
It means Garelochhead Post Office has been temporarily saved while a deal is thrashed out.
The closure threat has left takings down, however, and the owners are keen to see regulars return.
MSP Jackie Baillie met with branch operators Anne and Stuart McQueen last week, alongside Post Office boss Mark Gibson and members of Garelochhead Community Council, to discuss future plans.
The branch had been set to close on March 28th, with chain bosses searching for another outlet to host Post Office services.
It came after Temporary Sub-Postmistress, Evanda Street, decided to retire, while proprietor Anne, also decided to step back.
The offer of an alternative team to staff the branch had been tabled to Post Office bosses but terms are under discussion.
A failure to reach agreement meant the proprietors confirmed their decision to pull out, leaving the village without a branch.
However, services will now be retained temporarily while talks continue.
But a downturn in trade has occurred, as residents prepare for closure, leading to an appeal to locals to back the business.
Proprietor Anne said: “I would urge residents to continue to support our service in order that it can be maintained.”
MSP Jackie Baillie added: “This service is vital to residents in Garelochhead and it is essential that it is retained. It really has come down to use it or lose it and while we work to ensure the Post Office can continue, it would be helpful if locals could offer their support.”