Post Office 'temporary' closure in Newton Mearns slammed

The decision follows the retirement of the current Postmaster.

East Renfrewshire has faced a number of “temporary” Post Office closures in the last few years which have caused significant difficulties for local people, especially those who use the counter services for withdrawal of pensions and payment of bills.

The Post Office at 269 Mearns Road does not offer counter services but is utilised for postal services and its temporary closure represents a further reduction in The Post Office services available in East Renfrewshire.

Eastwood MSP, Jackson Carlaw, and East Renfrewshire MP, Paul Masterton, alongside Newton Mearns South Cllr Jim Swift have continuously raised these concerns admist the local anger about these ongoing closures.

The Scottish Conservative politicians also previously wrote to The Post Office following the announcement that McColl’s were not to continue with their lease for the store at the Broom Burn Shops to clarify that services were to be ongoing and to confirm that there would not be a reduction in Post Office services for residents.

Commenting Jackson Carlaw MSP said: “The Post Office has sadly continually failed to plan for and protect local Post Office services following the retirement or resignation of Postmasters.

“We had the same problem in Eaglesham and it is still without a proper Post Office despite that only being a “temporary closure”.

“The management of the Post Office really need to apply themselves far more proactively and effectively to deal with these vacancies in service provision.”

Paul Masterton MP added: “Newton Mearns residents may still have a Post Office at The Avenue yet this temporary closure again will disadvantage those who most rely on basic Post Office services.

“Unfortunately there seems to be a failure of leadership from the Post Office when it comes to East Renfrewshire.

“My constituents have been let down again and again by what can only be seen as a lack of planning and preparation.

“I have now written to the Post Office, with my colleague Jackson Carlaw, to ensure that the Post Office is taking positive action to rectify this issue for our constituents.”

Cllr Jim Swift noted: “As Newton Mearns continues to expand and also to age, it is disappointing to see our local Post Office temporarily close.

“It is also very sad to see people who have served our community so well, in one case for over 25 and another for over 15 years be made redundant too.

“This certainly does not feel like progress.”