South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that a new operator has finally been found for Dumfries Post Office, which was previously housed on the Whitesands.

The Whitesands branch in the Spar shop closed in October last year and Post Office has this week announced that a new operator has been found.

The branch will run from Warwick’s Newsagents, 14 Great King Street from November.

Colin Smyth said: “It has been nearly a year since the Post Office branch on the Whitesands closed and I am very happy to hear that a new operator has finally been found.

“Great King Street is a great location for our main Post Office as it’s right in the middle of town and of course the street that housed the main Post Office in the town for many years.

“While it’s a much smaller premises than Spar, I am pleased that it will be offering reasonable opening hours.

“In the past year we’ve seen Post Office closures, reduced hours and temporary services affecting communities across the region and it’s a relief to finally have some good news.

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

“For the largest town in our region not to have a Post Office in the town centre for a year has been shocking.”