East Lothian Councillors are disappointed with Post Office plans, announced this week, to close post offices in West Barns and Elphinstone and reduce services in four others, although they gave a cautious welcome to the planned retention of a six-day service in Gifford.

Leader of East Lothian Council, Councillor David Berry, said: “We are going to consult with Community Councils and local people about these proposals with a view to putting forward positive alternative plans to the Post Office for the retention of viable services in the affected areas.”

Depute Leader Councillor Stuart Currie added: “Local people will have six weeks from 19 August to make their views known directly to the Post Office and we would encourage them to do so if they feel strongly about the loss of postal services in their areas.”

Post Office Ltd’s proposals, which affect seven Post Offices are:

To be closed: West Barns and Elphinstone.
Outreach service: Stenton 12 to 2 pm on Thursdays at village hall; Innerwick, Wednesdays 10 am to 12 at village hall; Drem, Mondays 9 to 11am at Appin Equestrian Centre; Garvald, Wednesdays 9 to 11am at village hall.
Outreach partner service: Gifford, 5 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday at Hogg’s Newsagents

ENDS