South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called on Post Office to consider how to make it easier and more attractive for businesses to take over running vacant Post Office branches, after the news that the new operators have pulled out of a deal to run the service in Whitletts.

It had been confirmed previously that the new Post Office would be based out of Libby’s Convenience Store, and it would open on Friday, January 13, however, the operators are no longer taking the deal forward.

Colin Smyth said: “I was really disappointed to hear that Libby’s has decided not to progress their application to run the Whitletts Post Office.

“It is yet another blow to the local community who are back to square one looking for somewhere to house their branch.

“However, it is clear that Post Office has some serious work to do to make it easier and more attractive for businesses to take over the running of vacant branches.

“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.

“I will be encouraging the company to do all they can to find an alternative for Whitletts.”