RELIEF has met the reopening of Buckie Post office after it unexpectedly closed its doors for a period last week.
Concerns voiced by local customers prompting local MSP Stewart Stevenson and Buckie Councillor Sonya Warren to approach the Post office for answers.
In his letter to the firm, Mr Stevenson highlighted the effect the closure had on customers and businesses, particularly given the recent closure of two banks in the town.
“I was very concerned to learn of the unexpected closure of Buckie Post Office,” Mr Stevenson said.
“The Post Office is a lifeline service for many individuals and business, particularly following the recent closure of two banks in the town. Therefore, it was hugely important that it re-opened as soon as it could.
“I was not made aware of any closure by the Post Office so as soon as constituents brought it to my attention I wrote to Post Office Ltd expressing my concerns and urging them to re-open as soon as possible.
“So many services are now delivered through the Post Office and people rely on them. Local people and businesses need to know when they are going to be available.
“I am glad this situation has been resolved and people are able the access the services again.”
Councillor Warren stressed that the situation had caused concern in the town.
She continued: “I have been approached by many people in the town who are extremely concerned that the Post Office has been closed unexpectedly.
“Some businesses have told me that they have had to go to Findochty to deposit money and are limited to how much they can put in there so this closure has really affected local businesses.
“We were told by the two banks that recently closed their doors that we could use the Post Office so it’s vital more than ever that the Post Office is available for folk to access.
“Thankfully the closure was short and folk are able to use this vital facility again.”
A spokesman for the Post office attributed the closure to an “operational issue”.
He said: “The Post Office apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused by the recent temporary closure of Buckie Post Office, this was due to an operational issue. We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services and we are pleased to confirm that the branch has now reopened at the same site and is operating as normal.
Buckie Post Office is run by Srini Badam, who is believed to own a number of shops and Post Offices across the north-east.