TAYSIDE NORTH MSP John Swinney is asking for transparency on the closure of rural post offices in Perthshire.

In May, Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling announced that around 2500 post offices would be closing by 2009.

This led to fears that this would hit rural communities the hardest and Perth and Kinross Council have already said that subsequent closures could prove to be “highly detrimental” to local people.

As a result, Mr Swinney has written to Post Office Ltd to ask it to take into account the views of the local community.

“Communities need to be fully prepared to ensure future decisions about post offices are taken with the best information available,” he said last night.

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving service delivery for the people of Scotland, placing people at the heart of everything we will do.

“We aim to create a clearer and simplified public sector, freeing up more resources for vital front line services and ensuring value for money for the Scottish taxpayer.

“Our aim is for public services that are as effective and efficient as possible, and are delivered as close to people as possible.”

He continued, “The Scottish Government will continue to work with the Post Office in order that the consultation outcomes take into account all that devolved and local government can offer.

“Of utmost importance is to develop a sustainable postal network in Scotland fit to take us forward into the 21st century.

“Both my constituency and, indeed, much of Scotland, has a network of small communities in which post office services play an important role and it is vital that this is taken into account when consultation takes place regarding their future.

“I will endeavour to ensure that the people whom changes in Post Office services affect at first hand are listened to, and that they are involved in the consultative process.”

Mr Swinney has also written to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, asking them to seize the opportunity and become involved through community planning partnerships