South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has urged the Post Office to continue its search for a permanent home for the Closeburn branch, after it was announced that a temporary service will run from next week (8 June).

The temporary service will run from the Matt Williamson & Sons store, Closeburn Industrial Estate, Closeburn, Thornhill, every Wednesday from 2.30 – 4.30pm.

The service will be provided by the Postmaster for Galloway Street to restore service following the resignation of the Postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises at Closeburn, Thornhill in April.

The Postmaster for Galloway Street also operates a temporary outreach service at Thornhill Library, Townhead Street, Thornhill, whilst Post Office also continues to look for a permanent solution.

The opening hours for Thornhill are also changing from 6 June to Monday and Wednesday: 11am – 2pm; Friday: 11am – 1pm. This is an extra visit on Friday.

Colin Smyth said: “I welcome the move from Post Office to run a temporary service in Closeburn but I will be urging them to continue to look for a long term, permanent solution for both Closeburn and Thornhill.

“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 was a huge blow to the region, in particular the communities in Thornhill, and a further cut in the number of permanent Post Offices across Dumfries and Galloway.”