Fears for the future of a vital Midlothian Post Office were today eased as councillors were told ‘solid offers’ to take over the service were already under discussion.
High street chain TGJones sparked widespread concern in Dalkeith and surrounding areas after it announced it would be closing its store, which is home to the service, , within a few months.
The chain, which took over WHSmith just two years ago, announced plans to axe a number of stores across the country, however in Dalkeith concern about where people would access vital Post Office services was sparked by the news.
At a meeting of Midlothian Council today an emergency motion by the Labour Group called on the chief executive and senior officers to hold urgent talks with the company and Post Office to try and retain services.
It also urged the council to explore other options including moving the service into Dalkeith Library if no alternative home could be found.
However Councillor Margot Russell, who brought the motion, told fellow councillors that she had already been contacted by two people interested in taking on the Post Office and talks were ongoing within the council regarding options
She said, however, that concern still remained for staff at TGJones who found themselves facing being out of a job when the store closes in January,
She told the meeting: “I know the talk has been about the Post Office and its staff and now it looks as though they may have a better future but I hope we certainly look at the staff from TGJones as well.”
Councillor Stephen Curran who seconded the motion said the announcement of the closure by TGJones was “deeply disappointing” particularly for staff whose jobs were at risk.
He said: “It is equally concerning for people in Midlothian who travel into Dalkeith, not just those living there, to use the Post Office services but I am hopeful a solution can be found working collaboratively with the Post Office and local retailers.”
Councillor Colin Cassidy, cabinet economic development spokesperson, said talks had been taking place to find a way to save the service.
He said: “We have three solid opportunities here to move the Post Office and to assure people because people were genuinely concerned about losing this historic service we have had in Dalkeith for over one hundred years.”
Councillor Cassidy also tackled criticism aimed at the council over the closure saying it was not their decision.
He said: “The council has been getting a lot of abuse about this, it has nothing to do with the council. Out of about 150 shops in Dalkeith the council owns around 12 buildings and we get accused of charging too much in rent, too much in business rates, but just so the public know and put on record we have very little power over these things.
“We are doing our best and we will fight, as Councillor Russell and Councillor Curran have said with a united front to get this sorted.”
The motion was unanimously approved by councillors.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
