South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has hit out at yet more proposed changes to mail delivery services in Dumfries and Galloway following news of plans to opening hours for the main delivery office.

Constituents have raised concerns after seeing an update, which is to take info affect from August 8, to opening hours of the Royal Mail customer delivery office in Great King Street in Dumfries. The changes would see the delivery office for customers to pick up parcels and other mail only open during the daytime (see details).

In the past year, many Post Office branches across the region have been threatened with closure, suffered reduced opening hours or temporary services.

Colin Smyth has been working with local councillors, businesses, community groups and the Post Office to find either a permanent home for these branches or at least outreach services so the local communities still have access to a Post Office.

Now the delivery office run by Royal Mail at the former main post office in Dumfries will limit the customers can pick up parcels and other mail, making it impossible to do after normal working hours, with the service cut to just two hours on a Monday morning.

Colin Smyth said: “These changes would be another blow to mail services in our region. Most people are at work during these new opening times and will therefore struggle to get to the delivery office to pick up their parcels.

“I plan to write to Royal Mail to demand answers about this without delay.

“Having a Post Office and Post Office services in the community is vital for so many of my constituents, particularly those who are older or people who can’t travel easily. People often pick up parcels at a Post Office, which is becoming more and more difficult with all the closures. Now Royal Mail are following the Post Office by inconveniencing customers by making it impossible to pick up parcels and letters at the delivery office outwith the normal working day.

“Sadly, right across Dumfries and Galloway we have seen closure after closure of Post Offices, reduced opening hours, and now cuts by Royal Mail to delivery offices, yet complete inaction by the UK Government to stop them.

“This latest move is another blow to the region, in particular those in Dumfries who need to use the service at a reasonable time.”