By Lucy Ashton
Garelochhead’s closure threatened Post Office has been saved from the axe.
A new operator has been appointed to run the Garelochhead branch from March 28th.
The change follows crunch talks between outgoing proprietor Anne McQueen, community leaders and Post Office bosses, orchestrated by MSP Jackie Baillie.
Terms have now been agreed for a new operator to take over the current facility, which will now stay at the same premises.
The branch was set to close on March 28th, before eleventh hour talks were undertaken in the village two weeks ago. It meant that the Post Office would have remained open for the community while discussions continued.
But it has been confirmed that a new operator will be at the helm from March 28th, securing the immediate and long-term future of the site.
Outgoing proprietor Anne McQueen has welcomed the development, saying: “I am pleased for the village, it’s really good news that this has been retained.
“So many people use the branch, particularly for banking and I am thrilled that it will be able to continue.”
Jackie Baillie MSP also welcomed the outcome, saying: “I was delighted to be able to facilitate talks aimed at retaining this absolutely vital service for the community of Garelochhead and all the residents who use it.
“I would also like to thank Anne and Stuart McQueen for working with us and Mark Gibson from the Post Office, for his willingness to assist.”
Pic shows: Watson Robinson, Chair of Garelochhead Community Council, Vice Chair Martin Croft, Anne McQueen Co-proprietor of Garelochhead Post Office, Jackie Baillie MSP, Stuart McQueen Co-proprietor of Garelochhead Post Office.