Stamp of approval for Shieldhill Post Office

Like many others across the district, the village’s Post Office will be situated in a convenience store that can offer customers better hours through earlier opening in the morning from 7am and later closing at night until 10pm, seven days a week, adding an extra 63 hours a week to the present service.

Wheelchair access will be upgraded and staff will be trained to Post Office standards of service and security.

The move from the current site at 69 Main Street to the Premier Shieldhill Convenience Store at number 139 will happen at 1pm next Thursday, April 14.

Post Office regional manager Suzanne Richardson said: “We are making it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs. This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and will secure services for the future.”

Not everyone is happy about the move, however, as some residents have concerns over parking.

Pensioner William McKinnon said: “There was absolutely no consultation with people from Shieldhill about this and parking will be a nightmare. There are yellow lines where the new shop is and it’s next to the school so you can imagine what it’s going to be like during the school runs.”