MP seeks clarity in wake of bank branch closures 

LOCAL MP David Mundell has highlighted the world’s oldest working post office (PO), located in Dumfriesshire, during a special debate at Westminster.

He pointed out that the privately-owned Sanquhar office has operated in the same building continuously since 1712, but, like many such businesses, has faced ‘confusion' surrounding banking hub legislation and the rules and role of POs where transactions take place.

Mr Mundell raised the issue with a UK Minister during a recent Green Paper debate on the future of the Post Office network.

He said: “For example, in Sanquhar, although the Bank of Scotland has provided a banking adviser to come to the community following the closure of its branch, it will not allow that person to meet people within the post office.”

Mr Mundell also highlighted the situation across the Lowther Hills in Upper Annandale.

He said: “Likewise, in Moffat, where we had a bank closure, the post office will not operate a vital cash machine that is required in that community.

“Will the Minister increase his efforts to get the banks and post offices together to get a co-ordinated approach”?

Business Minister Blair McDougall MP, who confirmed to Mr Mundell an interest in visiting historic Sanquhar Post Office, said: “We absolutely understand the centrality of banking services to the sustainability of the Post Office.

“We had that roundtable (meeting), and even though the banking framework has just been renewed, we have already started conversations on this.

“Ultimately, those will be conversations between two commercial entities, but we are facilitating them, because we recognise their importance.”