Orkney representatives demand meeting with Post Office over future of Kirkwall branch

Northern Isles representatives Alistair Carmichael MP and Liam McArthur MSP have today written to Post Office management to demand a meeting over the proposed sale and potential closure of the Crown Post Office in Kirkwall. Writing to the Chief Executive of the Post Office, Nick Read, the isles parliamentarians noted that the Kirkwall Post Office “sees significant footfall and is a key hub for local people”, voiced concerns about reports that the single hub will be replaced by two sub-post offices, and requested a meeting as a matter of urgency to discuss how any changes will be considered and what consultation will be held locally before any decision is made.

It was reported last week 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. 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”. 

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:

“The way that information has come out about these proposals is unacceptable.  The Post Office clearly needs to start from the beginning and set out exactly how this process will come about – and that this is not simply a rubber stamp for plans they have already determined from on high.  We need assurance that whatever we have at the end of it will be at least as good as what we currently have.

“There is a deep and growing concern in the community about the impact of these proposed changes. People are understandably frustrated at what appears to be an attempt to impose an unwanted change for Kirkwall and Orkney as a whole.

“If there is to be a consultation, as has been promised, then it cannot be led by an assumption that the decision is already made and that it cannot be changed. Post Office leadership should remember that this is a publicly-owned service. It must be accountable to the community.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said:

“Any move to close the Post Office in Kirkwall would impact people and businesses across Orkney. The branch remains popular and well-used so it’s hard to understand the rationale for such a change.

“If the Post Office believes it has a case, then it needs to set that out in detail and engage meaningfully with the local community. 

“Announcing these plans right before the Christmas rush only adds to the concern and uncertainty locally. The Post Office has got off to a bad start here. It is in their interest as well as the interest of the Orkney community that a full consultation is undertaken before any final decisions are taken. 

“I look forward to meeting Post Office representatives in the near future to discuss how such a consultation will be managed”.