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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Post Office earmarks 44 closures | Post Office earmarks 44 closures |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A major programme of 44 local post office branch closures has been announced in parts of Scotland. | A major programme of 44 local post office branch closures has been announced in parts of Scotland. |
| The Post Office wants to reduce the number of branches in Argyll and Bute by seven, Greater Glasgow by 27 and Central Scotland by 10. | The Post Office wants to reduce the number of branches in Argyll and Bute by seven, Greater Glasgow by 27 and Central Scotland by 10. |
| There will be a six week consultation period to give communities a chance toair their views on the closures. | |
| Plans for post office provision for other parts of Scotland will be announced next year. | |
| Full list of post office closures | |
| The closure list for the Highlands is expected in January, the list for the Western and Northern Isles in March, and for the north-east, Tayside and Fife in April. Other areas will be announced in June and July next year. | The closure list for the Highlands is expected in January, the list for the Western and Northern Isles in March, and for the north-east, Tayside and Fife in April. Other areas will be announced in June and July next year. |
| The consultation on the future of the first post office closures will remain open for six weeks until 3 December. | The consultation on the future of the first post office closures will remain open for six weeks until 3 December. |
| The plans are part of a wider restructuring of post office services throughout the UK. | |
| The first closures are expected to take place in February 2008 with all changes expected to be completed by the end of that year. | The first closures are expected to take place in February 2008 with all changes expected to be completed by the end of that year. |
| There are 308 post office branches in Greater Glasgow, Central Scotland and Argyll & Bute. | There are 308 post office branches in Greater Glasgow, Central Scotland and Argyll & Bute. |
| Mobile service | Mobile service |
| The Post Office claimed that under the area plan proposals 99.9% of the population would either see no change to their nearest branch or will remain within one mile of an alternative branch. | The Post Office claimed that under the area plan proposals 99.9% of the population would either see no change to their nearest branch or will remain within one mile of an alternative branch. |
| The plan includes proposed "outreach" services in three communities in rural Stirlingshire - Buchlyvie, Thornhill and Gargunnock. | The plan includes proposed "outreach" services in three communities in rural Stirlingshire - Buchlyvie, Thornhill and Gargunnock. |
| Possible types of outreach service could include a mobile service, a restricted hours service or a partner agreement within the premises of a local shop. | Possible types of outreach service could include a mobile service, a restricted hours service or a partner agreement within the premises of a local shop. |
| Post Office Ltd's Network Development Manager for Scotland, Sally Buchanan, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. | Post Office Ltd's Network Development Manager for Scotland, Sally Buchanan, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers. |
| "We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future." | "We want to ensure that everyone who uses, relies on or has any concern with Post Office services is both fully aware of the changes we are proposing to meet UK Government requirements, and able to give views on how accessible services will be in the future." |
| It is unacceptable to seek to justify the reduction in an essential service on economic efficiency grounds alone Grahame SmithSTUC | |
| Tricia Dow, director of consumer watchdog Postwatch Scotland, said: "We do accept there is a need for change because the network is unsustainable. | |
| "What we are hoping to ensure is that this public consultation is meaningful. | |
| "We are particularly concerned about this first plan and about the groups of closures in the north of Glasgow and in West Dunbartonshire which may leave an untenable network." | |
| Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, condemned the proposals. | |
| He said: "The closures announced this morning are unnecessary and unwelcome. | |
| "It is unacceptable to seek to justify the reduction in an essential serviceon economic efficiency grounds alone." | |
| Branches earmarked for closure are: | Branches earmarked for closure are: |
| Argyll & Bute | Argyll & Bute |
| Greater Glasgow | Greater Glasgow |
| Central Scotland | Central Scotland |
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