The last post?

The branch is among a list of post offices in the UK being considered for an amalgamation with a local shop - and a six week public consultation process is set to get underway.

Bosses from Post Offices Ltd are stressing that no decision has yet been taken on a potential closure and that no alternative location has as yet been discussed.

However, it has also confirmed that it will soon be looking for declarations of interest from local retailers who could house a sub-post office on their premises.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The Post Office successfully works with many retail partners. We already have over 3,000 branches across the UK where customers are accessing services in this way.

“If no retail partner is found we are still committed to having a Crown Post Office within the area. This is not a closure programme and there are no compulsory redundancies planned as part of this strategy,” she added.

However, the set-up does not meet with the approval of MP Gregg McClymont.

The Labour man said: “As soon as the consultation exercise starts, I am calling on local residents to make their views known to the Post Office Ltd.

“The loss of services at our main Post Office will hit communities in Cumbernauld hard. This is a vital asset for many local people and these plans can’t simply be a cover for a reduction in services or cost cutting closures.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Post Office Limited to discuss what this means for local people,” he added.

Jamie Hepburn MSP is also opposing the plans.

The Scottish Nationalist said “This is is an extremely well-used facility, and the closure of the Kildrum Post Office was in part predicated on the location of the town centre branch. Indeed, given how busy it can be there, I would have thought there is in fact an argument for increasing capacity there.

“It isn’t immediately clear to me as to how co-locating that branch with another retailer will ensure that existing demand can be met. Guarantees in that regard must be provided by the Post Office if this suggestion is taken forward,” he added.