South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has urged the Post Office to continue its search for a permanent home for the Closeburn branch.

Currently a temporary service is running from the Matt Williamson & Sons store, Closeburn Industrial Estate, Closeburn, Thornhill, every Wednesday from 2.30 – 4.30pm.

The service was meant to start in June but Post Office said that due to “technical issues” it didn’t open until last month.

Colin Smyth said: “While it is good news that Closeburn residents have some kind of access to Post Office services, albeit only for a short time once a week, I will be urging Post Office to continue to look for a long term, permanent solution.

“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.

“The Closeburn closure was another 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.”