Shotts parliamentarians Neil Gray MSP and Anum Qaisar MP have expressed their delight that the Allanton Post Office is to reopen next month following a successful campaign by the politicians and villagers.
In July last year, CJ Lang decided to close the counter in its Spar store in the village as part of a nationwide restructuring move, leaving residents with no local Post Office access.
Mr Gray took up the cause writing to CJ Lang, Post Office and the First Minister, as well as spearheading a cross-party cross-parliament group, to try to resolve the situation.
With a proposed site at Damside found, Mr Gray and Ms Qaisar provided their support to the project receiving the necessary planning consent as quickly as possible.
This week, Post Office announced that the Damside site would open on February 9 much to the delight of both Mr Gray and Ms Qaisar.
Mr Gray told Lanarkshire Live : “I am absolutely delighted that Allanton Post Office is going to be reopening, albeit at a new location.
“When the previous branch was closed, I worked with the local community and Post Office to look at all avenues to keep a counter presence in the village.
“I am delighted that Anum Qaisar MP and I were able to help as this is a critical asset for the local community.
“I want to thank Post Office for their work here and I wish the new proprietor well in their new venture which I know will be supported by local people.”
Westminster counterpart Ms Qaisar added: “I welcome the news that the Post Office in Allanton has managed to find a new home.
“Some really important work has been done by those in Allanton, who campaigned to ensure that this important fixture of the community stayed open.
“I wish the new proprietor well in this venture which will be a cornerstone for the local community.”
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