Mixed reaction over Post Office outcome

News release

11/03/08

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed an announcement that Pulteney Post Office has been saved. However he has expressed discontent that the other Post Offices under threat in the Highlands were not.

Many community Post Offices were threatened after a cost cutting review was ordered into their services. However Pulteney was saved after a vigorous campaign by the community.

Mr Gibson said:

"This is great news for Pulteney and Wick itself. It is testament that the strong campaign fought from the grass roots truly did make the Post Office think again. But the UK Labour Government has a lot to answer for in letting the Post Office renege on services in so many vulnerable areas."

"The case to retain the post office in Pulteneytown was overriding. It will mean that older and people will not need to trek the long and steep route to the other side of town merely to access the services that they could have got on their doorsteps."

"It is extremely disappointing that that Post Offices choose to ignore public opinion and close those in Dingwall and Saltburn as well as others throughout the region."

ENDS