New post office site put on ice

Dec 9 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

MOVES to relocate a Perth post office have been suspended, it emerged yesterday.

Post Office Ltd decided to shelve plans to move services out of its existing 40-year-old premises in North Muirton to the David Sands newsagent just 15 yards along Argyll Road.

A spokesman said a proposed agreement to start a post office counter in the convenience store from January 28 was being “put on hold” at the convenience firm’s insistence.

The branch has been operated by Sands for more than two years, since its previous owner Denis O’Bryan walked away from the venture without warning.

Six staff members lost three weeks’ worth of work after the post office’s temporary closure in August 2006.

City centre councillor Archie MacLellan yesterday praised Sands for their commitment, and said he hoped existing employees would be retained after the relocation finally goes ahead.

“I have been battling to ensure the post office is kept open,” he told the PA yesterday.

“David Sands have been absolutely fantastic in continuing to provide a local service.

“If a move eventually takes place, I would have no problem whatsoever.

“The North Muirton branch is used by old folk and businesses in Arran Road and is a real boon for the area.”

The Post Office’s field change advisor Kenny Lamont said the proposed move was designed to give customers “a fully up-graded branch”.

Features would include a purpose-built serving counter and a flat level entrance for ease of access.

An open-plan format at Sands would enable retail services to be offered alongside Post Office products and services.