A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a Barrhead post office from the axe.

The town currently has two post offices – in Cross Arthurlie Street and within the McColl’s store in Main Street,

However, McColl’s is to close on June 10, with the post office also being lost.

That has led to residents calling on Post Office bosses to find an alternative site in Main Street for the service.

Sean Clerkin, of the Save Our Post Office campaign, said: “It is a disgrace that a central community hub in Barrhead is being taken away.

“We are now campaigning for the Post Office to remain in Main Street.

“It is a vital service for

elderly and vulnerable people, as well as those with disabilities, and we will be doing everything in our power to fight this closure.

“We want to see it stay as close to where it is at the

moment, with disabled access being retained, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing if it had to move along the road.

“Whether it stays alongside another local business or moves in with a larger company, we want it retained.”

Bosses at McColl’s insist they were left with no choice but to close the firm’s Main Street store but refused to comment on suggestions they were asked to pay a significant rent increase.

A spokesman said: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the store in Main Street. We are saddened to no longer be operating the

store and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.”

The Post Office has said it is keen to find an alter-

native site for its Main Street branch.

A spokesman added: “We would like to reassure customers we are committed to maintaining a Post Office service in the area and are assessing options to ensure these vital services – from every day banking to a wide range of postal services – are sustained for the local

community.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should ring 0845 266 8790 and talk to an adviser, send an email to NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk or visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk.”