News / Whalsay post office concern
WHALSAY could be left without a post office if a “tough and slow” transition between owners isn’t concluded soon, according to local MP Alistair Carmichael.
The politician is due to meet senior Post Office staff in London on Thursday in an attempt to secure the future of the Symbister office.
Carmichael is blaming management for the issue and believes they need to “adopt a flexible attitude” to ensure the transition of ownership goes through.
The Liberal Democrat has arranged a meeting with Neil Ennis, Post Office’s network transformation director.
“For months now I have sought to work with the Post Office and the business owners to ensure a smooth transition between the former and new owners of the shop,” Carmichael said.
“It has been a tough, slow, and frustrating business which has got to a point where Symbister could be left without a post office. This is unacceptable.
“This is a service which the local people cannot afford to lose. I shall be meeting with senior management of the Post Office next week and stressing to them that this is a crisis of their own making.
“As a public service they have a duty to provide the service we would all need not just the one that suits them to provide.”
The Post Office assured Whalsay residents that it is doing its best to maintain services on the island.
“We would like to reassure customers that the Post Office is committed to maintaining a Post Office service in Symbister and will continue to work hard to ensure this,” a spokesperson said.
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