Gregor Poynton has met with Blair McDougall, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation), to press for urgent action to secure the future of Uphall Post Office.
Livingston’s MP has raised the Uphall Post Office closure directly with the UK Government’s Post Office Minister.
Gregor Poynton has met with Blair McDougall, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation), to press for urgent action to secure the future of Uphall Post Office.
Mr McDougall holds ministerial responsibility for the Post Office. During their meeting in Westminster, Mr Poynton outlined the impact the closure of Uphall Post Office is having on local residents, older people, and small businesses who rely on services in the village.
The Uphall branch on West Main Street closed following the resignation of the previous postmaster.
READ MORE: Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue Livingston this March
Mr Poynton raised concerns about the disruption this has caused and sought assurances about what support the Government can provide to help Post Office Ltd secure a new postmaster and restore services as quickly as possible.
He said: “The closure of Uphall Post Office has had a real and immediate impact on local constituents. For many residents and small businesses, the services provided by the Post Office is essential.
“I met directly with the Minister responsible for the Post Office to make clear the strength of feeling locally and to ask what support can be offered to help secure a new postmaster for Uphall.
“It is vital that Post Office Ltd moves at pace to appoint a new operator and restore full services. I will continue working at every level, locally and nationally, to secure the long-term future of post office provision in Uphall.”
READ MORE: West Lothian apprentice enjoying combining work and college experience
Mr Poynton has pledged to remain in close contact with the Minister and with Post Office Ltd while a new operator is sought.
It is not yet known how long the West Lothian village will be left waiting for the restoration of the service.
The Post Office area change manager wrote to residents and local representatives in February to inform them of the decision.
He said: “We are writing to inform you that, regrettably, following the resignation of the postmaster.
“The provision of a Post Office service to our customers in the local community is important to us, and we will continue to work hard to restore services in the area as soon as possible.
READ MORE: West Lothian man spotted with ‘bladed weapon’ in street as police rush to scene
“We would welcome any applications from potential retail partners interested in running a branch locally on our behalf.
“We apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause. We hope that our customers will continue to use Post Office services and details of possible alternative Post Office branches in the area.”
A statement released by West Lothian Council earlier in the week said: “Uphall Post Office on West Main Street, is set to close from 6pm on Wednesday, February 18, following the resignation of the postmaster at the branch.
“The Post Office is welcoming applications from interested parties to ensure a post office service can be continued in the area.”
READ MORE: Nurseries challenge West Lothian Council’s budget decision
Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.