McArthur raises Kirkwall Post Office closure threat in parliament

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today spoken out in the Scottish Parliament about the proposed sale and potential closure of the Crown Post Office in Kirkwall, calling for the Post Office to ‘heed the voices of customers, staff and the wider community’.

It had initially been reported last month that up to 115 Post Office branches (the directly-owned Crown Post Offices) could be sold to third parties or closed. The government-owned Post Office has 11,500 branches across the UK, most of which are franchises, with 115 Crown Post Offices, of which one is in Kirkwall.

Subsequently, UK ministers have stated that “no decisions to close any or all of the remaining directly managed branches have been taken” and announced plans to “significantly increase postmaster remuneration”.

Speaking in a members’ debate on post office closures today, Mr McArthur highlighted the importance of Kirkwall Post Office to the local community, as well as the uncertainty and disillusionment caused by the way the news emerged.

Speaking in the debate, Mr McArthur said:

“The Post Office needs to heed the voices of customers, their staff and the wider community. There needs to be a meaningful consultation, and I would hope a rethink of this position, so that the vital services the Crown Post Office in Kirkwall provides can continue to be provided long into the future.”

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“The Kirkwall Post Office is an important and valued community hub. It provides essential services not just to people and businesses in Kirkwall but across Orkney. Many of the tourists who visit our islands each year also rely in the post office for currency exchange and other services.

“I know the Post Office has clarified that no decisions have been made on the future of the branch, but the initial ‘leak’ of information has created confusion and uncertainty for staff, customers and the wider community. It has also seen a loss of faith that will not be helpful as the Post Office seeks to take forward any consultation from this point.

“As Age Scotland have warned, the threat of closure has caused particular concern amongst older people, who are particularly reliant on the post office and at risk of being left more isolated.

“The Post Office has promised to consult fully and to listen carefully. With people and businesses in Orkney making their feelings clear, the Post Office now needs to be true to its word.”