The Post Office has said it is making every effort to get an Angus village shop open again following its sudden closure.
The Ferryden Store is the focal point of the community, and concerns have been expressed by residents after it was closed by the Post Office at the end of April stating it was “unavoidable.”
The nearest post offices while the village shop is closed are two miles away on Montrose High Street, and four miles away at Lindsay Street in Hillside.
The reasons for the closure have not yet been made public.
A Post Office spokeswoman said, “Regrettably, due to circumstances outwith Post Office Limited’s control, we had no option but to temporarily close Ferryden post office branch on 28 April 2011.
“Post Office Ltd would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience as a result of this unavoidable temporary closure.
“Post Office Ltd is committed to providing post office services in Ferryden, and would like to assure our customers that every effort is being made to restore a service as soon as possible.”
Montrose councillor David May has called for answers on the closure of the village post office after concerns were expressed by locals.
“Ferryden residents have been in touch with me about the fact that their local post office in the village is closed and there does not appear to be an explanation of the reason for this closure,” said Mr May.
“I have been in touch with Post Office Ltd to find out the reason it is closed, how long it will be closed for and when they plan to reopen it, and I am waiting for a reply.
“Ferryden Post Office is well used by many of the local residents, and is it clear that it is particularly important to many who are elderly and others, including those who have mobility problems or no access to a car, so I call on the post office to reopen the post office at the earliest opportunity.
“It is particularly disappointing that they have not explained this to the local Ferryden community and I hope that an answer to these questions will be forthcoming soon.”
Ferryden Community Council chairman Gordon Brown said, “The post office is the focal point of the community for many people.”
He continued, “The elderly population of Ferryden use the post office to pick up their pension, send parcels or mail and they need somewhere they can go that’s on their doorstep because it’s not always easy for them to get into town.
“The post office in Ferryden is important for the elderly and the infirm and even the younger members of the community.”