A town that lost its Post Office when the branch closed suddenly has seen services resume, but only for a few hours a week.
Burntisland Post Office is back in business but closed during what used to be its busiest time.
Doors are shut on Saturday mornings when many working people picked up parcels or used other services.
Those looking to collect parcels still face travelling to the Royal Mail delivery office in Kirkcaldy. Others are turning to the Post Office in nearby Kinghorn for other services, as their own branch opens for only four hours in the morning from Monday to Friday.
Local councillor Susan Leslie, who pushed for the services to return to the town, said the outcome is disappointing.
She said: “I am delighted that they have managed to get the Post Office open again but I’m very disappointed about the serious reduction in hours. It’s causing particular problems on a Saturday morning, which was its busiest time.
“I am continuing to contact the Post Office to see if they can extend the opening hours.”
The branch closed in July, with a notice on the door stating it was undergoing a “routine audit”.
The shutters remained down until a fortnight ago, while the Post Office said it was looking for a retailer to take over the service.
It is understood several local outlets expressed interest, but the branch reopened in the existing High Street premises.
The Post Office and shop had been taken over by new owners a year or so before the closure and people had complained about irregular opening hours.
A spokesman for the Post Office said: “The Post Office apologises to customers for any inconvenience caused by the recent temporary closure of Burntisland Post Office.
“We are pleased to confirm that the branch has now reopened at the same site and is operating from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
“Customers wishing to access Post Office services outside of these times may access services from any convenient Post Office branch, including Kinghorn Post Office, Linktown Post Office, Kirkcaldy, and Kirkcaldy Post Office, in The Postings.”
Photo by George McLuskie