Following the announcement that the Post Office on Hecla Avenue in Drumchapel is under threat of closure, I was keen to meet and talk with local residents who use this vital service and to discuss their concerns.
Joined by Bill Kidd, MSP for Anniesland, and local Glasgow City Councillor, Malcolm Balfour, it was noticeable just how busy the counters were and how strong the community feels about this important facility. I also wrote to Paula Vennells, Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to convey my concerns and those of the local community. Our campaign was covered by the Evening Times on 25th January.
A petition was set up, garnering significant local attention and over 1,000 online and physical signatures. I presented this petition to the UK Parliament on 25th April.
Having visited the Drumchapel Post Office a number of times over the last few months, it is clear that local residents will find it difficult – and for some disabled people impossible – to travel to the nearest available Post Office.
Whilst the Post Office have said that they are hoping to relocate to a smaller counter, perhaps within a shop, I remain concerned about the retention of the current hard-working staff, and the potential change in pay and conditions they may be subject to.
Furthermore, this would ultimately lead to a massive reduction to the full range of services offered at the current office, such as Passport Check and Send, Document Certification and Verification Services which are not available in nearby integrated counters.
With exciting new retail projects and opportunities in other parts of Drumchapel, the Post Office on Hecla Avenue is a key local amenity at the heart of Drumchapel Shopping Centre. The withdrawal of this vital service will have a devastating impact on the local community.
