A question mark is hanging over the future of the main post office in Dumfries.
The lease for the Spar shop which houses the facility on the Whitesands expires in October and is not being renewed.
And according to the Post Office the operator has “resigned” and the store will close.
But the company insists it is “committed to keeping services in the town” and it has indicated there is someone interested in taking over the retail site.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “The operator for Dumfries has their lease expiring in October and is not renewing it, therefore has resigned as the store will close at the end of the lease.
“The vacancy has been advertised and we have an interested applicant who wants to run a Post Office and shop at the existing location. The application is progressing.”
The potential loss of the facility, which became the main post office in the town following the closure of the one in Great King Street in 2006, has been met with dismay.
Dumfries businessman Rab Smith said: “It would be a big blow to the town to lose its main post office and the shop.
“It is always busy and I know we use it regularly.
“I am hoping that someone will take it on. I believe that a town like Dumfries needs to have its own standalone post office with easy access. It is certainly big enough.
“It is the knock-on effect that is of concern too as the Post Office brings people into the Whitesands area of town and they may then go on to visit other nearby shops. I think this leaves us with just three at St Michael’s, Troqueer and Galloway Street.”
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper described the situation as “deeply concerning”.
She said: “This announcement follows the notice of the closure of both the Georgetown and Closeburn branches of the Post Office.
“It is vital that the Post Office work proactively to find another provider for each of them.
“Having a post office in the community is vital for so many of my constituents, particularly those who are older or people who can’t travel easily.
“In addition to posting letters and parcels, having a Post Office branch is hugely important to those who rely on its accounts for their pension and finances.
“I have also made contact with the Midsteeple Quarter to see whether they have any ideas on local providers who may be willing to take over Post Office services and look forward to meeting with them soon.”
Alarm bells over the future of the store and post office first rang in November 2018 when it was then put up for sale by C J Lang & Son Limited, wholesalers of the Spar chain, following a “strategic review”.
C J Lang & Son Limited was approached for comment.
