Postal plans: political reaction

The Post Office has announced major changes to the way it provides its services across Edinburgh, the Lothians and southern Scotland.

Here is some of the political reaction the plans have provoked in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders:

"I am relieved that we are not seeing wholesale closures and changes in Dumfriesshire.

"There are a number of changes where outreach or partner services are being introduced and I am looking to hear the views of people in Eskdalemuir, Bentpath, Boreland, Ecclefechan, Collin and Glencaple on the proposed changes which affect them."

"There is one closure proposed in my constituency, Lincluden Post Office, which I oppose.

"The suggestion is that customers go to Lochside Post Office instead which is three quarters of a mile away and involves crossing the A76.

"We do know from the previous consultation on the relocation of the Crown Post Office in Dumfries from Great King Street in January 2006 that it is very difficult to get the Post Office to change its proposals, and very strong arguments will have to be made to stand any chance of reversal."

"The Sheuchan Street PO is the only branch in my constituency that is being closed with no alternative service being put in place.

"I get the distinct impression that the closure is being sought for the simple reason that it fits some of the criteria and can therefore be closed.

"That does not make it right, and I look forward to a vigorous campaign to ensure its continued presence in Stranraer."

"The proposals announced this week will come as a huge blow to many communities which have already been hit by the loss of other local services like schools, shops and GP surgeries in recent times.

"The local post office is often at the heart of a local community and I am concerned about the removal of yet more local services from rural communities."

"But, to many communities, particularly in Morebattle, Clovenfords and Greenlaw, the proposed alternative is completely inadequate and unacceptable.

"Royal Mail Group must look again at these particular proposals and I will continue to discuss the details with them to ensure there are no other nasty surprises hidden away."

"These are vital rural services that help maintain and sustain rural life and provide important benefits to communities across the Borders.

"It is unacceptable that the UK Government has not lifted a finger to protect our postal services from this onslaught and reveals their fundamental lack of understanding of the importance of these lifeline services in rural parts of Scotland."

"I have already spoken to Royal Mail Group and highlighted to them the urgent need for clarity on the proposed urban outreach trial for Rosetta Road.

"I hope that, in the coming months, many local residents in the north of Peebles will submit their views to the consultation and I hope that Royal Mail will consider them carefully."

"Understandably local people will be concerned if the presence of the post office in their community is to be substantially reduced - and that's why it's absolutely essential that they make their views known during this consultation period.

"It's not too late to stop any of the changes but local people must make it clear to Post Office Ltd where these changes will impact badly on their community."

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