Bridge of Allan’s Post Office is to close early next month despite a campaign to keep it open.
According to the Post Office its last day of operation will be Tuesday January 3.
Politicians from all political parties had opposed the proposal to close what they described as a vital public service.
The Fountain Road Post Office is shared with a McColl’s outlet.
Supermarket giant Morrisons – who acquired McColl’s after it entered administration – announced that 132 stores would close as part of restructuring. Bridge of Allan was among 55 stores to include a Post Office.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith had set up a petition against the closure.
He was among a number of politicians to hit out and said: “It is reasonable for communities to expect local services in their area, and I remain deeply concerned that the recent corporate reshuffling we’ve seen may see Bridge of Allan lose Post Office provision.”
The Post Office had pointed to branches operating in Dunblane, Cornton and Causewayhead.
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A message from the Post Office – posted online last week – stated: ‘...regrettably, following the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use Bridge of Allan branch will be closing on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 5.30pm.
‘Post Office is facing a particularly challenging period, as are other high street retailers.
‘The impact of rising costs, inflation and restrictions on our funding from Government mean that while we will always look to reopen branches when they close, we cannot commit to doing so in every instance.
‘We will be evaluating Post Office service provision in the area and every effort will be made to mitigate the impact this closure will have on the local community.
‘We want to ensure customers can access our quality services and products across the Post Office network and it is important that any future service is sustainable for the operator and for Post Office Limited.
‘We are committed to maintaining our access criteria so that 99% of the UK’s population are within three miles of a Post Office and 90% are within one mile and will continue to review this position and prioritise those areas with the highest need.’
Bridge of Allan councillor Alasdair Tollemache said this week: “This Post Office is much used by residents and businesses alike and an essential feature in Bridge of Allan.
“Post Office representatives should meet elected officials before Christmas to save Bridge of Allan Post Office.”
