South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has urged the Post Office to find an alternative home for the Closeburn branch after it was confirmed it will be closing temporarily on Thursday 7 April at 12 pm.

Post Office said the closure is because of the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use.

Post Office said: “Future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and we may take the opportunity to establish an alternative type of service. This may be an outreach service where a postmaster from a nearby branch offers the facility with hours of opening set to reflect the likely number of customers who will use the service.”

It comes after the recent closure of Thornhill Post Office, which has been replaced by a part-time outreach service in the library.

Colin Smyth said: “This latest news of yet another possible Post Office closure is very concerning. They have stated that Closeburn Post Office is to close temporarily and I am now urging the Post Office to find an alternative as a matter of urgency.

“Having a Post Office in the community is vital for so many of my constituents, particularly those who are older or people who can’t travel easily.

“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.

“This latest closure would be a huge blow to the region, in particular the communities in Thornhill, and a further cut in the number of Post Offices across Dumfries and Galloway.”