People living in the Whitletts area of Ayr will have access to a new Post Office, it has been confirmed today.
The facility is set to reopen later this year at a new location.
Libbys Convenience Store, Premier Express, on 82-84 Main Road, will now take charge of all Post Office services.
The previous branch, run by Spar at 74 Main Road, closed in September 2021.
That closure prompted a campaign by community figures, councillors and MSPs to retain services.
And although the future looked bleak earlier this year, when talks over a proposed new home collapsed, a deal has now been struck.
Scott Hamilton, Post Office Network provision lead, said: “We are delighted to be restoring a Post Office to this area as we know how important a Post Office is to a community.”
Although the entrance to the new Post Office could be problematic, with steps to negotiate, it’s understood that the new Postmaster is going to work with South Ayrshire Council and contractors to look at solutions “to improve access”.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are keen to restore this branch to the area as soon as possible, so we have decided to go ahead with our plans as it provides the most sustainable solution.
“We acknowledge that the entrance steps may cause difficulty for some."
Those with mobility issues will be able to use a bell to request assistance while news that services will be reinstated has been welcomed.
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: "This is great news for the Whitletts community and a real mark of success for campaigners and local elected members like Councillor Ian Cavana who have been working tirelessly to ensure this branch found a new location.
"While it’s frustrating that it has taken longer than we would have liked, the fact a location has been secured on the same street as the previous office will be welcomed by local people."
Ayr North's Cllr Cavana said: “I have been heavily involved in the campaign to reopen this Post Office from the start and I’m delighted that a new operator has been found at last.
“The Whitletts branch was always very popular and its closure has been detrimental to the area.
“Many people use the Post Office every week for paying bills and their council tax, and it is great news that our community will once again have access to these services.”
The opening hours of the new branch will be Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 12noon. This will offer 43 hours of Post Office service a week.
The opening date has yet to been confirmed but, all going well, it could be sometime in either October or November.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to give feedback about the plans will close on Tuesday, October 4.
Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 185843.
Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk or by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS or by telephone 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55.
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