Community efforts to save Bridge of Allan’s under-threat post office are being ramped up as concerns over the decision continue to grow.
The future of the village’s existing post office looks to be bleak after the McColl’s outlet on Fountain Road - which contains the counter for the area - was earmarked for closure by supermarket giant Morrisons as part of their takeover of the beleaguered convenience store brand.
The Bridge of Allan store is one of 132 closures set to be introduced, with the move delayed until after Christmas to allow the post office to continue to operate over the busy festive period.
However, there are currently no guarantees about the branch’s future into the New Year, with locals potentially forced to head into Stirling to complete key business and personal services.
The move has already been met with dismay by the village’s community council and elected representatives - and has now become the subject of a petition from Stirling MP Alyn Smith aiming to show the level of support for keeping the post office.
The petition has so far gathered more than 200 signatures at time of going to press.
Mr Smith and his SNP colleague, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown, have now written to Post Office chiefs for reassurances on the measures being taken to identify a possible new location in Bridge of Allan.
Mr Smith said: “It is reasonable for communities to expect local services in their area, and I remain deeply concerned that the recent corporate reshuffling we’ve seen may see Bridge of Allan lose Post Office provision.
“I urge local residents and businesses to read my letter and sign this petition to express their support for local service provision. Meanwhile, Keith Brown MSP and I will consult with the community and local businesses to devise the best route forward.”
Dunblane and Bridge of Allan councillors Alasdair Tollemache and Douglas Dodds have also been leading efforts and discussions about various ways forward, with the pair expressing hope that a solution can be found.
A statement from Cllrs Dodds and Tollemache to the Observer said: “It is vital for the Bridge of Allan community and surrounding area to retain the post office.
“Approaches have been made to the Post Office to ensure that a facility remains in the area. If they support this, we are optimistic that the present location will be available and continue to serve the community as its post office.”
The announcement from Morrisons put 1,300 staff in McColl’s outlets across the UK at risk of redundancy - with those affected to be offered employment at other McColl’s stores, Morrisons’ stores or other sites.
Meanwhile, the situation with the post office in Bridge of Allan was also set to be discussed at the village’s community council meeting set for yesterday evening.
