| Councillors had fought the closure, and the post office postponed any decision while a consultation was carried out. The consultation period ended on April 16, and the post office said the level of protest against the closure had been low.
Balgillo councillor Rod Wallace today described the closure as “extremely sad”.
The post office is located inside the branch of RS McColl’s on Torridon Road, which has itself been put on the market. No date has been set for the closure.
A high profile campaign to save the Campfield Square post office at the Barnhill shops, which lies less than a mile from the East Balgillo branch, was successful, and its future is now secure.
Councillor Wallace said today he had only received one objection to the proposed East Balgillo closure.
“Whilst the closure itself is extremely sad, and no doubt the loss will inconvenience many residents, the area is fortunate to have another such facility very close at hand at the Barnhill shops, with good access and parking,” he said.
“Myself and Councillor Bruce Mackie fought very hard to keep the branch at the Barnhill shops from closing.”
Councillor Wallace had written to post office area chief Sandy Stephen, asking him to explain his actions. He received a letter from the new head of area Andy Bayfield this morning, confirming the closure and indicating response to the consultation was poor.
Mr Bayfield gave an assurance that help would be on hand, with customer advisors in the branch to give advice to the public about services and other post office locations.
Mr Bayfield told the Tele, “Proposals to close post office branches are not made without considerable research and discussion.
“We carefully considered all the points raised during the consultation period, but we still believe the permanent closure of East Balgillo post office branch is the correct course of action.
“East Balgillo is a small branch with diminishing trade, and we are confident both alternative branches can absorb the extra custom easily, even with any additional customers from new housing.
“We will monitor the situation carefully and, if any problems do arise, they will be addressed swiftly.
“The distance to Barnhill is very short. Nursery Road must be crossed, but this is usually a fairly quiet road.
“With regard to Broughty Ferry, one mile away, there is the busy main road to cross, but there are designated pedestrian crossings along the way.
“Overall we feel this is a reasonable proposal, and the permanent closure should proceed.
“We have concluded that the closure of these branches will improve the long-term prospects of the other offices in the area.”
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