Perth’s Bridgend Post Office will close at the start of next month, it has been revealed, less than two years after it opened.
The service at 2 West Bridge Street will shut its doors for the last time on Saturday, April 2.
The closure follows an announcement by postmaster Ian Morgan in November 2021 that he planned to cease running the service, due to “far less footfall than expected”.
Mr Morgan’s News Direct store will remain open however.
For Bridgend residents wishing to use postal services, the nearest Post Office will either be on Perth High Street or on Jeanfield Road.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney is urging a quick Post Office solution for the local area.
Commenting he said: “Whilst not unexpected, this news will come as a blow to local residents and significantly erode the presence of Post Office services in Perth.
“Frustratingly, this closure may have been avoided if the Post Office Ltd had listened to the widespread calls to allow the Bridgend Post Office to provide DVLA services.
“This need was clearly articulated both by the postmaster and my colleague, Pete Wishart MP.
“I would encourage any individuals interested in taking over this service to consider applying. It is my hope that a replacement can be found as soon as possible, so as to minimise the disruption to the local community.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added: “It is hugely disappointing that the branch is having to close.
“One of the reasons for the resignation of the postmaster was because he was not able to provide DVLA services, including road tax renewals.
“I was sorry that the Post Office were unable to change their mind when I previously raised this with them.
“This closure will not only inconvenience residents in Bridgend. After the closure of the Post Office in Scone, local residents currently only receive two hours of Post Office services a week.
“I am aware that a number of people from Scone, therefore, used the Bridgend Post Office.
“I hope that a new postmaster will come forward soon and that they will be given proper support from Post Office Limited going forward.”
The Post Office has described the closure as “temporary” and apologised for “any inconvenience caused”.
A spokesperson said: “The postmaster for Bridgend Post Office has resigned and the branch is due to close on Saturday, April 2 at noon. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.
“The vacancy is advertised on our website and we would welcome interest from local retailers.
“In the interim alternative branches include Perth and Jeanfield Road.”
