MSP joins campaign to save Hareleeshill Post Office

Aug 7 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

SNP MSP Aileen Campbell this week vowed to campaign to save Hareleeshill Post Office in Larkhall.

The South of Scotland MSP last week paid a visit to the threatened post office to hear first-hand concerns from its customers.

Ms Campbell was joined by local councillors Peter Craig and Lesley McDonald, as well as SNP prospective Westminster candidate for Lanark and Hamilton East, Clare Adamson.

The group spoke with postmaster Mohammed Khalid and other users who are campaigning against the proposal in the Post Office Ltd’s Network Change Programme to close the branch.

Ms Campbell said: “Post Offices like Hareleeshill don’t just provide stamps and services – they are a focal point for the community.

“People use their local post office as a place to meet friends and catch up with what’s going on in the area. It also attracts business to the shops and services nearby.

“The Labour Government in London pushed through the reforms that have led directly to this and other closures across Scotland. Instead of investing in Post Office services, they have been deliberately run down.”

She added: “I am listening closely to what people in the area have to say about this and other proposed closures, and will be making a detailed submission to the consultation being run by Post Office Ltd.”

Post Office Ltd opened a six-week public consultation on July 22 on Hareleeshill and other threatened offices across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

During the consultation, which ends on September 1, views on a number of issues are welcomed, such as the distance of alternative branches, and the impact on local economy.