Postwatch out to prove a point
If You live more than five kilometres from a post office then Postwatch Scotland wants to hear from you.
Director Tricia Dow said: “The questionmark that lies over the long-term future of rural post offices has been well reported.
“We want to gather information ahead of the promised Government consultation on what the future could be.
“The question of distance is a key one in Scotland.
“Across the whole of the UK, Post Office Ltd tell us that, in 2005, only 0.3% of households lived more than 5km from a post office.
“We doubt that is the case in many parts of Scotland. Now we need to prove it.
“There is a real threat to rural post offices in Scotland. We want to ensure adequate access to postal services is preserved throughout the country.
“The answers provided by customers will help us argue the case that decisions about individual post offices in Scotland and the services they provide should be taken on an individual basis, according to the needs of the community affected.”
Copies of Postwatch Scotland’s questionnaire can be found in its spring/summer newsletter or on its website. Copies can also be requested by telephoning 08456 013265.
There are approximately 1,695 post offices in Scotland, 1,132 of which are rural. All but the largest rural branches are said to operate at a loss.
