STAFFING levels at Helensburgh’s new post office have been criticised – with the counter twice closing for an hour in the middle of the day to allow for staff lunches.
The ‘modernised’ Post Office and Costcutter store on West Princes Street opened at the end of May however it has already come under scrutiny from concerned customers.
During the move from the old Colquhoun Square office – around 482 metres away – it is believed only two of the five original staff members were retained, meaning in order to facilitate lunch hours the counter has had to close on a few occasions.
Last Wednesday, customer Carol Bridger said when she went to use the new Post Office it was closed.
She said: “I had cause to use the new super-dooper, open all hours, more counters open, Post Office – only it was closed. Apparently this great new Costcutters/Post Office closes from 1.30pm to 2.30pm for lunch.”
Another resident said the company lost three members of staff during the move, leaving only two people to man the counter.
A spokeswoman for the Post Office told the Advertiser: “We would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Helensburgh Post Office during lunchtime on two occasions last week.
“This was due to staffing issues, service will now resume as normal as the temporary issue has now been resolved.”
During the six-week consultation for the Post Office plans, residents were told opening hours would be extended and that there would be an increase to four serving positions.
In November of last year, the government announced a further £640m investment in the Post Office network, from 2015 to 2018.
Nationwide the investment programme will see up to 8,000 branches modernised with additional investment in over 3,000 community and outreach branches.