Use it or lose it that is the stark message to Newbigging residents after it was revealed the village shop and post office are under threat of closure.
Councillor Helen Oswald, whose ward includes the village, said it was a “bleak time” for the community.
She said, “Colin Henderson, the owner of the shop, told me his tenant had given notice and it just didn’t seem to be sustainable. I think it will probably be February (if it closes) as there is a lease period that has to run. If people won’t use the shop, they will lose it.
“It’s unrealistic to think that people will do their weekly or monthly shopping there but there is loads of stuff you can buy in the village shop that would keep it going.
“You can’t put a price on a village shop. If it closes, there will be no focal point for the village at all.”
If the closure went ahead, the nearest post office would be in Monifieth.
She said, “I’ve already had an email from a resident in Newbigging pleading with me to see if I can do anything.
“I’ve asked the council’s economic development manager to contact the owners and tenants to see if there is anything it can do to help this vital local amenity to continue to operate.
“There is a great risk of a loss of community spirit here and I hope that everyone who cares about the village supports it.”