Statistics show post offices are becoming more important to local communities
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POST offices are more vital than ever, new figures show as the Inverurie branch is set to reopen.
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has reacted to news of an uptick in banking at post offices as local residents have their "lifeline" branch restored.
Mr Thomson said: “Ensuring communities have access to cash is becoming increasingly important, despite the move to contactless payments.
"Studies have shown that cash withdrawn in a community tends to stay within that community, benefitting local businesses and traders where cash transactions can be critical.
“The wholesale closure of bank branches and withdrawal of ATM services which usually accompanies that increases pressure on those who by preference or circumstance use cash and, by extension, the local economy."
Inverurie's post office at 33 West High Street closed last month after the post master resigned.
However, the community has welcomed the news that the same staff and services will be available in a new location, within the town's McLeish shop.
Post Office network provision lead David Duff said: “We know how important a post office is to a community.
"We are delighted to be quickly re-opening Inverurie Post Office.
"We thank the owner of McLeish for providing space within the store.
"A temporary postmaster has been appointed whilst we continue to look for a permanent solution.”
The reopening news follows a widespread trend recognising the importance of post offices to local communities.
At the Scottish Affairs Committee in Westminster, the Post Office's director of banking Martin Kearsley said more people were using post offices for banking services amid bank closures over the last two years.
Richard Thomson said: “The fact that the Post Office in Scotland has experienced an 11 per cent increase in the depositing and withdrawal of cash year-on-year for the past two years is a result of bank closures but also underlines just how important preserving the local Post Office network really is.
“As the important of the Post Office network increases, it’s vital that this lifeline role is preserved and enhanced.”
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin said: "I’m pleased the Inverurie branch will be reopening at a new location in the town.
“Having access to a local post office is essential for many people and we must ensure there is ready access to these services for those who need it."
