Blackburn could soon have its own Post Office again after a local shopkeeper proposed taking over a local community centre.
Abdul Manan said he would look to open a Post Office branch in the former Trindleyknowe Centre on Bathgate Road which he plans to convert to a convenience store.
If successful it would mean residents no longer having to go to Bathgate to access a Post Office.
The town lost its sub post office in the Mill Centre in February 2020 as plans were drawn up for the redevelopment of the failing shopping centre.
While that work is now well under way locals have, for the last four years, had to make the three-mile trip into Bathgate to use the Post Office in North Bridge Street- or go further to West Calder.
West Lothian Council’s Executive this week agreed the sale of the building to a local businessman for £110,000.
In a report to the Executive David Baird Property and Development Manager said the Post Office backed the idea “in principle”.
The offer from Mr Manan for the council building – formerly used as the Blackburn Family centre: “was the highest offer to purchase received at the closing date and officers are satisfied that it represents full market value for the property,” the report added.
Mr Baird added: “Mr Manan currently leases commercial premises from the council in Hopefield Drive, Blackburn from where he operates a licensed convenience store business.
“In addition to continuing with his existing business, Mr Manan proposes to purchase the former Trindleyknowe Centre and seek the necessary statutory consents to operate a further licensed convenience store from the property, which he proposes would include a post office counter.
“Officers have discussed Mr. Manan’s proposals directly with the Post Office’s Network Provision Lead Officer, who confirmed that there is currently an opportunity within Blackburn to provide permanent post office facilities and that, subject to standard Post Office processes and statutory consents being secured, the former Trindleyknowe Centre property would, in principle, be suitable for that use.”
The property was previously leased to Blackburn Family Centre Limited for use as a day centre. The Family Centre went into liquidation in July last year, and their lease came to an end. The council has no operational use for the property, and it was formally declared surplus by the Executive in October last year, at which time it was agreed that the property should be marketed for sale or lease.
The Executive agreed to the sale without comment.
The offer is subject to Mr Manan securing planning permission for a change of use and also subject to him securing an alcohol licence from the Licensing Board.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
