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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Worry over post office cuts plan | Worry over post office cuts plan |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Concerns have been expressed at the level of post office closures proposed for the islands. | Concerns have been expressed at the level of post office closures proposed for the islands. |
| The future of 13 branches on the Western Isles, four on Orkney and two on Shetland have been put out for public consultation. | The future of 13 branches on the Western Isles, four on Orkney and two on Shetland have been put out for public consultation. |
| Labour MSP Peter Peacock said the numbers were "disproportionately large" compared with those under review on the Highland mainland. | |
| The Post Office intends to close 29 branches across Highland region. | |
| One in five branches on the Western Isles are earmarked for closure. | |
| Alec Macdonald, the convener of the local council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar fears the closure plans could seriously affect the sustainability of many communities. | |
| Present arguments | |
| The 19 proposed for closure on the islands are Borve, Bragar, Breasclete, Gress, Grimshader, Knock, Leurbost, Northton, Shader, Sidinish, Skigersta, South Dell and Tigharry on the Western Isles. | The 19 proposed for closure on the islands are Borve, Bragar, Breasclete, Gress, Grimshader, Knock, Leurbost, Northton, Shader, Sidinish, Skigersta, South Dell and Tigharry on the Western Isles. |
| Burray, Harray, Rendall and Swannay on Orkney and Camb and Levenwick on Shetland. | Burray, Harray, Rendall and Swannay on Orkney and Camb and Levenwick on Shetland. |
| Mr Peacock said: "I will be writing to each post office threatened and offering support and also to the community councils in each affected area." | Mr Peacock said: "I will be writing to each post office threatened and offering support and also to the community councils in each affected area." |
| A six-week consultation period will now begin during which local communities will have a chance to present arguments in favour of keeping them open. |