Perth Crown Post Office closure condemned

LOCAL politicians in Perth today united in condemning the Post Office’s decision to close its main Crown Office in South Street in the city and move the service into a franchise at WH Smith in the High Street.

The plans to close the Post Office have been condemned. Picture: Johnston Press

Councillor Ian Miller, the leader of Perth and Kinross Council, said: “I am extremely disappointed to hear this news. The Crown Post Office in South Street is an important driver of trade for local shops and businesses, and a major reason for people to visit the city centre.

“The current Post Office is in an ideal location, with bus stops nearby and a busy passing trade. Perth is one of Scotland’s cities and it deserves to have a stand-alone Crown Post Office situated in the city centre.”

He added: “I fear that this decision by the Post Office to downgrade facilities in Perth will lead to a reduction in service for members of the public, and it fails to take account of the widespread concern expressed during the consultation period.”

Disappointing

Pete Wishart, the SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, also expressed his disappointment at the move. He said: “The Post Office’s response to the consultation on their plans to close the Crown Post Office on South Street, and enter into a franchise arrangement with WH Smith, is very disappointing indeed.

“While I welcome the fact that they have acted on concerns that were raised about various access issues, I do not accept that their plans are appropriate for the main Post Office in Perth City Centre and nor do the people of Perth.”

He claimed: “Profit is being put ahead of service and it is the customers who are losing out.”