'Sudden' closure of Glasgow post office branded 'huge loss to community'

The “sudden closure” of a Glasgow post office has been described as a “huge loss to the community” as a fight is underway to get it reopened.

A petition has been lodged calling for the Toryglen Post Office on Glenmore Avenue to start operating again with politicians joining residents in calls to have it reinstated.

Councillor Jim Scanlon, Labour, said he has handed over a petition with 200 names on it started by a local shopkeeper and contacted MP Alison Thewliss, SNP, about the matter.

Council leader Susan Aitken, SNP, has also written to the Post Office asking for an explanation over the withdrawal of the service.

Responding to a question from councillor Scanlon about the issue, councillor Aitken said: “It think it is a huge loss to the community. It really is quite upsetting and I know a lot of people have taken it very badly – the sudden closure of the post office.”

Councillor Aitken said she also asked the Post Office group chief retail officer if any equalities impact assessment had been carried out, particularly in relation to the area’s older population.

Speaking at the latest full council meeting, she added: “My correspondence made clear the significant social and economic challenges within Toryglen and the importance of the Post Office to residents and nearby local businesses. I also expressed my concern that the nearest alternative facilities are now more than a 20-minute walk away, which makes access all the more challenging for older residents in an area with low car ownership.”

The Langside politician told Councillor Scanlon she will continue to make the case for the post office to be reopened although it is not within her or the council’s power.

Councillor Scanlon said he handed over the petition four months ago and is “disappointed” no-one has contacted the local shopkeeper who is “actually in pains to try and get this reopened.”

Responding to his concern, councillor Aitken said she has discussed it with the local MP and her understanding is that the “petition was passed on and action was taken on that.”