Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has urged Post Office bosses to step-up efforts to return Post Office services to the communities of Hardgate, Faifley and Duntocher.
Hardgate Post Office has been closed temporarily since February 2017 following the resignation of the local Postmaster, resulting in residents being forced to travel considerable distance to access their nearest alternative Post Office at Clydebank Shopping Centre.
The area’s local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has expressed concerns about the impact the closure is having on local residents and is seeking assurances from Post Office bosses that everything possible is being done access to Post Office services in Hardgate.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“The commitment from Post Office Ltd to maintain the service at Hardgate is a welcome one and I intend to hold them to that promise. However, I have serious concerns about the length of time it’s taking to a secure new local operator following the Postmaster’s resignation earlier this year.
“Hardgate Post Office has been closed for over seven months now and I know from speaking with my constituents and local community groups that the loss of this vital service is having a severe impact on local residents.
“Elderly residents and people with disabilities across Hardgate, Faifley and Duntocher have been particularly disadvantaged by the loss of their local Post Office, with people being forced to travel considerable distance to access their next nearest Post Office at Clydebank Shopping Centre.
“Although we have been assured that the closure of Hardgate Post Office is only temporary, my constituents are understandably growing concerned about the future of the service the longer it takes to find a new permanent operator.
“I will continue to liaise with Post Office officials and community stakeholders to ensure that access to Post Office services in Hardgate is returned as soon as possible.”
