INDEPENDENT WATCHDOG Postwatch Scotland is urging the public to get involved in the consultation process after it was confirmed yesterday that 42 post offices in Fife and Tayside have been earmarked for closure.

A further 37 are to be replaced by a mobile post office or some other “outreach” service.

Noting that the deadline for responses is July 8, Postwatch Scotland chairman Alan Alexander said it was “crucial” that households and businesses provide feedback to Post Office Ltd on the proposals affecting their area.

“Across the north-east, Tayside and Fife we are encouraging Post Office Ltd to work with stakeholders and in particular the local authorities to inform their final decisions.”

Mr Alexander added, “While petitions are useful in demonstrating strength of feeling, we hope respondents will set out, in detail, the local factors that are relevant to the proposals.

“Particularly useful would be details of how they will access alternative post offices and what impact this would have in terms of distance to travel and availability of public transport in the event of the proposal going ahead. Such engagement should help secure a better outcome.”

The Post Office said 99.9% of the population of north-east Scotland will see no change to their nearest branch or will be within a mile of an alternative.

The closures will leave around 11,700 branches.

Sally Buchanan, the Post Office’s network development manager for Scotland, said, “Taking the decision to close any post office branch is always very difficult and we know will cause concern to many of our customers.

“Post Office Ltd’s aim is to continue to provide essential services and support retail businesses and the local economy in as many communities as possible, subject to the minimum access criteria set by the Government.

“The rural communities in the north-east, Tayside and Fife will be served by a total of 276 branches, of which 127 provide the only access to cash in their communities.

She said the proposals offered the best prospect for a sustainable way forward for post office services.