Politicians are calling for crisis talks after a spate of post office closures across Perthshire.
The branch at Scone shut without warning at the weekend, following complaints from customers about slow deliveries and service.
Post Office chiefs have apologised for the temporary closure while staff are re-trained. They cannot say when it will re-open, but are considering taking on a temporary postmaster.
It is the latest local outlet to close its doors. The branch at Letham shut at the end of last month, while there are continued concerns about the Craigie service which has closed twice in 12 months.
Efforts are ongoing to retain the service in Blairgowrie after negotiations to move the counter into the town’s PriceKracker store collapsed.
Local Conservative councillor and Perth and Kinross Provost Dennis Melloy said the latest closure was “very serious for residents and businesses in and around Scone”.
He said: “I have written to the Post Office to find out more and have enquired about how long the temporary closure is expected to last.
“It’s important that people in Scone are able to access Post Office services and I have asked officials to provide information on what, if any, contingency measures are in place.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has called for crisis talks with bosses.
“I was sorry to hear that some people arrived at the Scone branch to withdraw their pension, only to be told they would need to travel to Perth. That is not a respectful way to treat customers.”
The SNP politician said: “I have asked for an urgent meeting with senior officials from Post Office Ltd to discuss what can be done for these branches.
“It is unacceptable for there to be three closed branches and one under threat of closure in my constituency alone. Something needs to be done and pretty urgently to ensure that these branches remain viable.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser added: “I have been in touch with the Post Office to call for a speedy resolution as residents in the area are heavily reliant on the branch for a whole host of services.”
He said: “A number of people have been in touch with my office complaining about the abrupt closure in addition to asking for more information about when it will re-open.
“I understand that the Post Office is looking for a postmaster to provide services in the interim period and I would encourage interested parties to come forward and make themselves known to officials at their head office.
“Ultimately, Scone has neither a bank nor a large supermarket and the post office is widely used by people of all ages and it’s important that this closure doesn’t last much longer.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Scone Post Office.
“We understand and appreciate how much communities rely on our services. We would like to reassure customers that the decision to suspend services at any of our branches is never taken lightly.
“We take very seriously any decision to temporarily close a branch, and will only do so when it is warranted.
“We are working hard to restore services for the community as quickly as possible.”
