Post Office users in the Whitletts area of Ayr have been dealt a major blow with the news that the new operators have pulled out of a deal to run the service.
It had been confirmed previously that the new Post Office would be based out of Libby’s Convenience Store, in Main Road, and it would open on Friday, January 13.
However, Ayrshire Live can exclusively reveal that the operators have decided “not to progress their application” to take on the branch.
Now a frantic search has begun to try to find another operator locally who is willing to resume full-time Post Office services.
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown said today: “Disappointing news that the Whitletts Post Office will NOT be re-opening in the Premier Express as expected.
“My team has spoken to Post Office officials this morning and the organisation will now look to find another operator for the hub.”
The previous Post Office branch, at the Spar store at 74 Main Road, Ayr, closed in September 2021.
The office fell victim to Spar’s decision to axe more than 30 Post Office counters, which it said were not “financially viable.”
Forehill Post Office also closed as part of the cuts.
That closure prompted a campaign by community figures, councillors and MSPs to retain services.
A deal was struck last year to retain services out of Libby’s Convenience Store (Premier Express).
However, Scott Hamilton, Post Office network provision lead, said: “The new operator has decided not to progress their application to operate the branch and we will not be opening the branch on January 13, as previously advised in branch and online. The branch will therefor remain temporarily closed."
In the interim, alternative branches are Hawkhill, Tam’s Brig, New Prestwick and Ayr.
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