A new post office is to open in Paisley – almost one year after the previous site closed.
The new outlet will open within the Food and Wine Cellars store at 301 Gallowhill Road on Thursday, March 23.
The post office desk will sit alongside the retail counter of the convenience store and will be open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. In total, it will be open for 46 hours and 30 minutes over the course of the week.
A similar range of products and services will continue to be available, however, the National Lottery and vehicle tax and travel insurance on-demand services will no longer on offer.
Scott Hamilton, Post Office network provision lead, said: “We are delighted to be restoring Post Office services to Gallowhill as we know how important a post office is to a community. The opening hours will also make it very convenient to visit.”
Mr Hamilton also urged locals to take part in a consultation on the services available before the Friday, February 24 deadline.
Buddies will have the opportunity to air their views on a number of issues including access to the premises and the services on offer.
Politicians across Paisley – including councillors Jim Paterson and Cathy McEwan who represent the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward – have welcomed the return of the post office to Gallowhill.
The previous service on Netherhill Road was well used but closed in April last year when the post master retired.
Councillor Paterson said: “I have been in contact with Post Office Ltd several times since the previous service ‘temporarily’ ceased at Netherhill Road to ensure they understood how important a service of this nature is to residents.
“Although it is being relocated to Gallowhill Road I am sure residents will be pleased to have a post office within the community once again.”
Councillor McEwan added: “I am delighted to see this vital service return to Gallowhill as I know how many residents rely on the services it provides. I would also encourage residents to take part in the online survey.”
Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said the resumption of post office was more important than ever.
She said: “With the closure of bank branches and several ATMs now charging for cash withdrawals, post offices provide an extremely valuable service to the local community.
“The community of Gallowhill has went several months without access to Post Office services and concerns were raised with me about whether a post office would reopen in the area.
“I was therefore extremely happy with this news and would urge the local community to feedback to the consultation.”
People can take part in the survey by logging on to www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/gallowhill-pa3-4rl-112859-1/
General comments can also be emailed to comments@postoffice.co.uk
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