A SCOTS MP and a local councillor have teamed up in an attempt to save a local post office from closure with 1,000 jobs at risk amid closure of 115 branches.
MP for Edinburgh South West, Dr Scott Arthur and Labour colleague councillor Stephen Jenkinson are working to prevent Wester Hailes Post Office from closing.
It was announced last week that 115 Post Office branches would close across the country with two in Edinburgh set to close – Wester Hailes and Edinburgh City Post Office.
The Labour politicians Dr Scott Arthur and colleague Stephen Jenkinson have announced their efforts to save the Wester Hailes branch from closure.
The politicians called the branch ‘a vital community hub, in one of Scotland’s most deprived communities.’
The pair have launched a petition for assistance from the local community asking for the views of the community on the announced closure.
They plan to present the views given in opposition to the closure and hope for as much support as possible.
They have said that a consultation should be carried out before the branch’s closure adding that the locals of Wester Hailes shouldn’t have to pay for the problems uncovered by the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.
Dr Scott Arthur has said the issues that have arisen so far include: “Accessibility to Financial Services.
“The closure of local post offices and bank branches has significantly reduced access to essential financial services for residents, especially those with limited mobility or technological literacy.
“This has led to increased travel time and inconvenience, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.
“Impact on Local Economy and Community: The loss of local financial services has negative consequences for the local economy.
“Reduced foot traffic to local businesses and decreased spending within the community can harm local shops and services.
“The closure of post offices can also impact the delivery of essential services, such as parcel delivery and mail collection.
“Environmental Concerns: Increased travel distances to access financial services contribute to higher carbon emissions and environmental impact.
“This contradicts government policies promoting sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints.”
Local Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The proposal to close the Post Office branch in Wester Hailes plaza is devastating for the local community who I know rely heavily on this vital service.
“I know the community are angry, worried and concerned by this decision and I’ll be writing to Post Office Ltd to express my disappointment that they have chosen this branch to cut.
“I believe Wester Hailes Post Office can be saved, should be saved and will be saved when Post Office Ltd learn of the impact this decision will have on the local community.”
