South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has described the threat to the future of two Post Offices in the region as a “double blow” and urged the Post Office to find an alternative to closing the Post Office branches in Thornhill and Georgetown in Dumfries.

Regarding Georgetown, the Post Office has said that “following the resignation of the operator of the Partner service and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, the…branch will be closing temporarily on Thursday 25 February 2021 at 17.30”.

Post Office is currently “investigating the options available” which will enable them to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

In Thornhill, the situation is similar due to the current operating partner at Spar withdrawing from the contract. The branch will close on 20 February.

Colin Smyth said: “While the Post Office has said these closures are only temporary, it has also admitted that there are currently no alternative providers identified. I am urging the Post Office to find an alternative as a matter of urgency.

“There has been a Post Office in Georgetown for decades, initially as a standalone premises and then as part of a Spar shop, so it is really disappointing to lose it.

“In Thornhill, the Post Office has said people should use alternative branches in Penpont and Closeburn but both are miles away and not accessible on foot, so this won’t be an option for many people.

“Sadly, right across Dumfries and Galloway we have seen closure after closure of Post Offices and complete inaction by the UK Government to keep them open.

“These latest closures would be a double blow to the region, in particular the communities in Georgetown and Thornhill, and a further cut in the number of Post Offices across Dumfries and Galloway.”