Dumfriesshire Parliamentarians David and Oliver Mundell are demanding urgent assurances from the Royal Mail over fears that Langholm’s Sorting Office could be in line for closure.
The MSP and MP have been contacted by local residents who have set out their concerns over what is understood to be a plan to relocate the Sorting Office’s operations from Langholm to Lockerbie in a move they believe would be a further heavy blow to local postal services.
Oliver Mundell MSP said: “Our understanding from conversations with local residents is that the Royal Mail believe the existing building on Langholm High Street is not fit for purpose and, if this is indeed the case, we believe that alternative premises must be identified within Langholm to continue the provision of a local Sorting Office for the town and surrounding area.
“Lockerbie already covers a large geographic area and is 18 miles away from Langholm, so it does seem clear that any relocation of Sorting Office facilities from Langholm would lead to a reduced quality of service compared to that currently enjoyed by the community there.
“My father and I have been in touch with the Royal Mail asking for an urgent clarification on any plans they have, and an assurance that if the Sorting Office has to move, new premises will be found for it within Langholm.”
David Mundell MP said: “Postal services in communities across Dumfriesshire have already been put under real pressure over recent months after a shake-up of local branches previously located in convenience stores. The very last thing we need is the further disruption of Langholm’s Sorting Office being relocated out of the town, further weakening the postal delivery network in this rural area.
“That’s why we are pressing the Royal Mail for an explanation of any changes being proposed and for a commitment that any relocation of services will not see the Sorting Office move out of Langholm. We need to see services retained and developed in more remote and rural communities, not for them to be further hollowed out and relocated outside the immediate community they serve, so we are looking for action from the Royal Mail to guarantee that.”
