Post Offices forced to close due to the coronavirus outbreak will all reopen in the “coming weeks”, the service has confirmed.
In a letter to north-east MSP Peter Chapman, who had sought clarification on the issue, the Post Office said branches were already starting to reopen, with all branches returning to a “regular pattern of service” shortly.
It comes after several Post Offices had to close during the pandemic, with staff becoming unwell or having to self-isolate.
Repeated calls have been made to reopen branches by residents in communities including Stonehaven, Dunecht and Maud, among whom some are having to travel more than 10 miles to use services.
Mr Chapman welcomed the resumption of services in the coming weeks, stating branches were of “huge importance” to residents during the Coronavirus outbreak.
“Post Office branches are hugely important to communities across the north-east, especially to those who don’t have things like smartphones, for example,” he said.
“It’s vital we continue to help the most vulnerable in our society during the Coronavirus outbreak, and offering full services at their local branch ensures their needs are being served.
“I’m sure residents will be delighted by this news, especially those such as the elderly who were experiencing difficulties in getting to a branch.
“Post Offices still act as the heartbeat of communities which is why it’s important residents have access to the full services on offer.”
In his letter, Post Office chief executive Nick Reid said: “We are starting to see branches re-open and I expect that we will return to a regular pattern of service in the coming weeks.”
