| The Somerfield and Iceland stores in the Barnhill Shopping Centre are seen by locals as the most likely venues in the event the Post Office can be persuaded to retain an outlet in the area.
The present Barnhill premises has been earmarked for closure by the Post Office as part of a rationalisation programme.
Mr Luke is one of the main proponents of the retention of a post office in one of the supermarkets and has already suggested the idea to the PO’s national consultation manager, Julia Marwood.
Now, however, he has decided to investigate the option for himself with time running out for the sub post office.
He said, “I’ve made contact with the area manager with Somerfield and we are arranging a meeting to discuss the issues.
“I’m also hoping to have a meeting with Iceland.
“I don’t think we will be able to save the existing Barnhill Post Office because I understand it’s not a viable business, but I’m hoping to explore the alternatives.”
With closure of Barnhill PO, the nearest facility for local people would have been at the McColl’s newsagents and post office in Torridon Road, but that has been put up for sale, raising the possibility Barnhill residents might lose all post office provision.
Mr Luke, in common with many locals, believes the Torridon Road shop is not a genuine alternative to the Campfield Square shopping centre.
He added, “I will hopefully meet with the Post Office next week to tell them that Torridon Road is not an acceptable option.
“The best option is to keep the post office counters service in the shopping centre.” |
