Kirkwall Post Office relocation plans emerge amid sudden closure
Kirkwall Post Office is to move to a new location in future, it has emerged, amid confirmation of its closure until further notice.
“Staffing difficulties” have resulted in the Junction Road branch suddenly closing its doors.
In a statement, this Monday evening Post Office have confirmed that there is currently no date set for its reopening.
A Post Office spokeswoman said: “Kirkwall Post Office is experiencing staffing difficulties.
“Regrettably, the branch has had to temporarily close.
“We do not have a re-opening date at this stage. We are currently making alternative arrangements for parcels currently inside the branch to be collected by the relevant courier companies
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this unplanned closure. In the interim an alternative branch includes Papdale and Balfour.
“In the longer term, there are plans to modernise the branch at a new location, and we expect to be able to share further details later this year.”
The Orcadian has asked Post Office for clarification on its reference to the “Balfour” branch, in regards to Kirkwall customers.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has described today’s revelations as “deeply concerning” and has promised to demand answers from both Post Office and branch operators Universal Office Ewuipment (UOE) alongside his colleague Alistair Carmichael MP.
This is deeply concerning news. The Kirkwall Post Office is a valued community hub which provides essential services.
Sharing The Orcadian’s story online, Mr McArthur said: “If reports are true, the lack of any kind of notice or consultation with the community is completely unacceptable, and flies in the face of assurances provided by Post Office leadership about the manner in which the future of the branch would be handled.
“Beyond that, however, a sudden loss of essential services on this scale will have a serious impact on islanders.
“Clarity on what happens next is urgently needed, and islanders and island businesses cannot be left to piece together arrangements for themselves.
“Alistair Carmichael and I will be demanding answers from the Post Office and Universal Office Equipment as a matter of urgency.”