A CAMPAIGN group is stepping up its efforts to make sure the doors of a Post Office in Barrhead are reopened.

The Save Our Post Office campaign was launched in April last year after it was announced that the McColl’s store in Main Street, including its sub-Post Office, was to close within months.

This led to residents urging Post Office bosses to find an alternative site in Main Street.
However, one year on, the shutters remain firmly closed.

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Community activist Sean Clerkin claims the loss of the Post Office has “taken the heart out of Main Street.”

He insists more must be done to restore the service.

Mr Clerkin told the Barrhead News: “Another business has dropped out of taking over the Post Office and I believe this is because of the model that anyone who is interested is being asked to follow.

“It is commission only and a salary won’t be paid.

“We at the Save Our Post Office campaign are now demanding that the facilities are brought back.

“The Post Office promised that they would reopen in Main Street but they have failed to deliver.

“We have places like Asda that would be accessible for people. The nearest Post Office is on Cross Arthurlie Street, so people in Dunterlie and the likes are seriously inconvenienced.

“The Post Office in Main Street is badly missed.”

Mr Clerkin believes victory for the campaign would be a fitting tribute to fellow Barrhead activist Phil Traish, who died in March, at the age of 71, after a battle with stomach cancer.

The pair campaigned together on a variety of issues, including the closure of the Post Office.

Mr Clerkin said: “In Phil’s memory, this campaign will continue until we get a Post Office back in Main Street.

“Barrhead is a big town and it needs the extra facilities.

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“Phil helped us launch this campaign after providing the information when it was first rumoured to close. He was the inspiration.”

A spokesperson for the Post Office confirmed an interested party had come forward with a view to reviving the Main Street branch but this deal has since “fallen through.”

“We would like to apologise to customers in Barrhead for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Main Street Post Office,” added the spokesperson. “We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services.

“We would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to try to provide a Post Office in this area and the vacancy will shortly be re-advertised on our website at www.runapostoffice.co.uk.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in running a Post Office and incorporating it into their business should visit the website or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk.”