A VILLAGE POST OFFICE will close early next month with residents fearing it may never reopen despite assurances being made by the Post Office.
Earlier this month insideMoray revealed that the Portessie Post Office was under threat with an online petition being raised to help retain the “vital service” in the village.
Claims were later made that the Portessie branch was not being scheduled for closure but rather that the postmaster had indicated that he was intending to quit.
However, a Post Office spokesman has confirmed that the current building was not considered suitable for Post Office use – although he insisted that an alternative premises was being actively sought.
Regional MSP Peter Chapman said that he had been in touch with the Post Office over the threat to the local office, saying: “In correspondence the Royal Mail has described the closure as temporary, but has also said the postmaster has resigned and the existing premises on Samson Avenue will be withdrawn from Post Office use.
“I think people will want a greater degree of clarity as to what kind of service the community can expect in future.”
A Post Office spokesman confirmed that due to the resignation of the postmaster, the branch would close on December 5, adding: “We would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to restore the service to the community as soon as possible.
“We are committed to maintaining services in the area.”