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Mystery over temporary closure at island post office 26/10/11
Mystery surrounds the unannounced closure of Portnaguran Post Office on Lewis for the past two weeks. Customers were bewildered to find the door shut and a note displayed saying it was shut until further notice.
It left people in the far end of Point unable to collect their pensions and family allowances. Since premises at Bayble and Knock shut, the nearest facility in the district is at Garrabost or Stornoway.
The Royal Mail Group indicated that Point councillor Donald John Macsween had raised the issue with them last week.
It appears the Royal Mail Group may not have been fully aware of the closure but following Mr Macsween’s intervention the post office reopened this week.
Jennifer Bird, External Relations Manager Royal Mail Group said: "Portnaguran post office branch has been operating a reduced service for the last few weeks due to severe staffing difficulties.
“Normal service resumed Monday 24 October. Post Office Ltd would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to its customers."
Though the official response suggests the facility operated less hours than normal, residents say it appeared to have been completely closed for long periods of time.
Cllr Macsween urged that there be no repeat of suspending the service again without explanation or consultation.
He said: “I am very disappointed the post office did not provide any advance warning of its closure so customers could make alternative arrangements.
“We have already lost two post offices in Point and the loss of another one would be a severe blow.”
Mr Macsween added: “I am very pleased that the Royal Mail Group has ensured that Portnaguran post office has now reopened for normal service.
He said the service should not have been “withdrawn without consultation with the community or with elected representatives. I hope nothing like this happens again in the future.”