Bid to save village post office

Torrance Post Office located within the pharmacy on Main Street is due to close on Saturday, June 25, after the recent resignation of its postmaster.

Villagers only discovered this last week and the local community council is particularly concerned for the welfare of the many elderly residents who stay there.

Mr Nicolson has sent out leaflets to villagers urging them to contact Post Office Ltd and express their views.

The MP said: “Torrance has a high proportion of elderly residents who rely on Post Office services.

“Public transport links to both Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch are poor and present roadworks for the shared space scheme in Kirkintilloch make the journey especially difficult.

“Even for drivers, the lack of parking facilities in both Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch would make access to Post Office services in these towns both time consuming and costly.

“The residents of Torrance need local services and for Post Office facilities to be withdrawn at such short notice is unacceptable. I will be pushing the Post Office to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible.”

Niall Campbell, a committee member at Torrance Community Council said villagers were “delighted” to receive the backing of Mr Nicolson and hoped for support from East Dunbartonshire Council and the wider community.

Meanwhile, a Post Office spokesman told the Herald the PO was “committed” to retaining Post Office services in Torrance and urged local retailers interested in taking on the service to get in touch.

He said: “ Following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of premises for Post Office use, Torrance Post Office branch will close temporarily on 25 June.

“Customers should be assured that the Post Office is committed to retaining Post Office services in Torrance.

“We understand how important having access to a Post Office service is to the local community and our local field team are working hard to identify ways which will enable us to provide a service in the future.

“Local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790 or email [email protected]”