Concerns over closure of post office

Nov 17 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

RESIDENTS of a West Lothian village say they have been without a vital community facility after the closure of their post office.

Torphichen Post Office and shop closed at the beginning of this month leaving villagers having to travel to Bathgate or Linlithgow for shopping or to use the postal service.

And members of Torphichen Community Council say they are concerned by the situation.

Ian Beck, chair of the group, said: “We had an emergency meeting on Thursday about this position

“It is a very valuable part of the community and a focal point for the area.

“The fact it has closed is a particular problem for elderly people who are now having to travel outwith the village, when they could just walk down the street before now.”

Post Office Ltd said the closure of the post office has been prompted by the resignation of the subpostmaster and they are working to ensure the closure is a temporary measure.

A spokesman for the company said: “Post Office Ltd would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience the closure will cause and wish to assure them that it remains our intention to continue to provide a Post Office service in the community of Torphichen.”

The company said in the meantime, customers are best to use post offices in either Bathgate or Westfield.

Kenny Lamont, field change advisor for Post Office Ltd added: “Regrettably, following the resignation of the subpostmaster, and despite our best efforts to maintain a post office counter service at this location, we had no other option but to temporarily close this branch on November 2.

“The provision of a post office service to our customers in the local community is of paramount importance and we continue to work hard to restore a post office presence in the area as soon as possible.”