After campaigning for the past year, local Labour politicians have welcomed the news that Whitletts Post Office is set to re-open later this year.

From October/November, the new branch will re-open in Libbys Convenience Store, Main Road, Whitletts.

Last year, Whitletts was one of several branches which closed after CJ Lang confirmed those post offices will no longer operate out of their SPAR stores.

Since then, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Ayr North Councillor Ian Cavana have been campaigning for a new Post Office in Whitletts and identifying possible locations.

Colin Smyth said: “This is great news for the Whitletts community and a real mark of success for campaigners and local elected members like Cllr Cavana who have been working tirelessly to ensure this branch found a new location. While it’s frustrating that it has taken longer than we would have liked, the fact a location has been secured on the same street as the previous office will be welcomed by local people.

“It remains a mystery why the Spar shop removed what was an exceptionally well used Post Office which had a set up with plenty of space, which customers liked, but well done to Libbys Convenience store for taking this on and I am sure it will help boost customer numbers.

“In the past year we’ve seen far too many Post Office closures, reduced hours and temporary services affecting communities across the region and it’s not good enough.

“People need Post Offices in their local communities but more and more we’re seeing them disappearing.

“This is a good news story but there are many other places which remain without a Post Office and I will continue to work with the company and the affected local communities to ensure action is taken.”

Ayr North Councillor Ian Cavana has been campaigning for a new location to be found for the Post Office since the closure was first announced last year.

He said: “I have been heavily involved in the campaign to re-open this Post Office from the start and I’m delighted that a new operator has been found at last.

“The Whitletts branch was always very popular and its closure has been detrimental to the area.

“Many people use the Post Office every week for paying bills and their council tax, and it is great news that our community will once again have access to these services.”