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The Post Office says it is committed to providing services in Mallaig and is looking for a solution to news of the planned January closure of the port’s branch of Spar from where it currently operates.
It has been announced Spar operator CJ Lang plans to close its shop in Mallaig in January 2020 and with it the Post Office services that operate from there.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford says he has this week written to Post Office Ltd regarding the proposed closure.
The news comes against a backdrop of RBS announcing it was closing its branch in the area, which came with an insistence the local Post Office would provide the majority of banking services residents required.
A further closure of Post Office services would leave RBS customers in the area relying on the one hour a week visit from a mobile banking van.
Mr Blackford is now calling on the Post Office to recognise
its responsibility and reassure residents alternative arrangements will be sought in advance of a loss of service in January 2020.
Commenting, the SNP Westminster leader said: ‘The way residents in Mallaig have been treated by the Post Office and the Royal Bank of Scotland has been shocking.
‘There has, for quite some time, been an abdication of duty to the community and we have now got to the point that people are genuinely worried about the future of banking services in the area.
‘The Post Office now has an obligation to find suitable alternative arrangements well before a loss of service that will come next January.
‘There can be no if’s, but’s and maybes about this – it is their duty and one that I will do all I can to ensure they see through.
‘I have written to the Post Office seeking assurances these measures will be put in place and I will keep local representatives up to date with my efforts.’
Asked to comment, a Post Office spokesperson told the Lochaber Times: ‘We can confirm CJ Lang has given us notice they are leaving the Mallaig premises early next year.
‘We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services.
‘We’d like to reassure our customers that we are absolutely committed to maintaining a Post Office in the area and we are currently assessing options to ensure these vital services are sustained – from every day banking to a wide range of postal services.
‘We would encourage any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business to get in contact.’
Caol and Mallaig councillor Allan Henderson says the decision threatens to be a major blow to Mallaig.
‘The Royal Mail sorting office is also based in these premises so that is obviously under threat as well, along with a lot of jobs. This is not good and could be a major problem,’ he said.
Asked to comment, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: ‘We have been notified of the closure of the Post Office branch in Mallaig, Lochaber.
‘We are currently considering our options to ensure we maintain a high quality of service for our customers in the area.
‘We do not expect there to be any job losses as a result of any possible relocation.’
