Monday September 3rd 2018
The news that the Post Office in Bonnyrigg is due to close temporarily in September has been met with frustration from local MP Danielle Rowley and Council Leader Derek Milligan, who represents Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall. The Post Office informed community figureheads on Friday that the resignation of the operator, and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office duties would result in the suspension of services in Bonnyrigg.
Danielle Rowley MP said: “It is extremely frustrating that local residents who stay in the town are going to be left without Post Office services. The Post Office is an important part of the local community, and simply directing residents to Dalkeith or Eskbank isn’t good enough. I will be fighting hard to ensure that this ‘temporary’ closure doesn’t sleepwalk into becoming a permanent one.”
These sentiments were echoed by Councillor Derek Milligan, he said:
“The disruption that local businesses and residents will face having to source basic services that our community relies upon will be widely felt.”
Councillor Milligan and Ms. Rowley have committed to putting pressure on the Post Office to retain the service in Bonnyrigg. Both have written to the Post Offices’ National Consultation Team questioning the decision and will seek to arrange a meeting with Post Office representatives.
Ms. Rowley’s office has also received confirmation from the Bank of Scotland that they will be withdrawing counter service at the Bonnyrigg branch, providing a further hit to the area.
Ms. Rowley expressed her disappointment at this development, she said:
“Confirmation that Bank of Scotland counter services will be withdrawn from the Bonnyrigg branch just weeks after the Royal Bank of Scotland shut its doors in Bonnyrigg is a further hit to local services and jobs. Although residents will still be able to deposit money, Bonnyrigg will now be left without any face to face banking service. This is unacceptable, and I will request a meeting with those involved to attempt to save the service.”
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