Hepburn hits out at postal reforms

The SNP politician is concerned about the effect the reforms could have in this area after previous changes to the postal network resulted in the closure of post offices in Kildrum, Banton and Queenzieburn.

Mr Hepburn says a report by the Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Committee has warned that the UK Government Post Office reforms could leave one in five branches “unsustainable or unsuitable”.

The plans include downgrading branches to provide a more limited service.

Effected branches would therefore no longer accept parcels with an international destination or Parcel Force Express Services parcels.

They would also not allow manual cash deposits and withdrawals or a change-giving service for small firms.

Mr Hepburn said: “The report from the committee clearly demonstrates that there is a huge ground for concern over the future of the Post Office Network and the impact that will have locally throughout Scotland.

“I have previously highlighted the concerns of the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth regarding postal reform and price rises at First Minister’s Question Times in the Scottish Parliament, and the First Minister was in agreement that changes to the Post Office network are rightly so a concern to both individuals and businesses and could have a negative impact on the economy.”

He added: “I have witnessed the people of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth having suffered from previous UK Government postal reforms.”

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