Brora residents appeal for mobile units after Post Office closure due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

Residents of an east Sutherland village are calling for the return of mobile post services after its Post Office was closed due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Post Office have confirmed the unplanned closure of Brora’s outlet on Victoria Road, after it had been closed to the public for almost six weeks.

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Brora’s Post Office has been operated within the premises of Steps Emporium, situated opposite Station Square, since September 2021.

The hardware shop took the reigns after the resignation of the postmaster at gift shop Kelpie’s Treasure, albeit initially on a temporary basis.

Steps Emporium has been the home of the Post Office ever since, but as of April, a sign which simply states: “Closed. Be back in two weeks. Personal matter.” has been attached to the door.

Brora residents have had to travel to neighbouring branches in Golspie and Helmsdale.

Steps Emporium has been contacted for comment.

One resident, Charlene Fraser, says she has had to assist elderly members of the community who now have no access to Post Office services in Brora.

Miss Fraser said: “We are lost without a Post Office in Brora. It is used by many elderly, especially people who have never used a hole in the wall to withdraw money, but also to pay bills and for parcels and other services.

”There is currently no service in Brora and I have helped to take a friend through to Golspie Post Office so that she can pay her father’s council tax.

“He likes to keep on top of this and was getting worried with the Post Office rarely open.”

Many residents, like Miss Fraser, are now calling for the return of a mobile service, until the future of the Post Office can be sorted out.

Miss Fraser added: “I personally use this Post Office for parcels and it has been a pain to have to travel to the neighbouring post office however what about those who cannot travel.

“The mobile post office van we had here before, during re-location of the post office counter, was very handy.

“At least we knew that once or twice a week we would be able to access the services. I think we really need this service back until we know what will happen further with the post office to help the village out.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Brora Post Office is currently closed due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this unplanned closure.

“Alternative branches are Golspie and Helmsdale.”

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