CLYDEBANK’S MP has urged Post Office bosses to step up their efforts to return services to Hardgate.

Martin Docherty-Hughes has written to the company over his concerns about the impact the closure of Hardgate’s post office has had on residents since it shut its doors in February after failing to find a replacement postmaster.

Bankies living in the Hardgate, Faifley and Duntocher areas have since been forced to travel to Dalmuir or central Clydebank to use post office services.

The SNP member said: “The commitment from Post Office Ltd to maintain the service at Hardgate is a welcome one and I intend to hold them to that promise.

“However, I have serious concerns about the length of time it’s taking to a secure new local operator following the postmaster’s resignation earlier this year.

“Elderly residents and people with disabilities across Hardgate, Faifley and Duntocher have been particularly disadvantaged by the loss of their local post office, with people being forced to travel considerable distance to access their next nearest post office at Clydebank Shopping Centre.

“Although we have been assured that the closure of Hardgate post office is only temporary, my constituents are understandably growing concerned the longer it takes to find a new permanent operator.

“I will continue to liaise with officials and community stakeholders to ensure that access to services in Hardgate is returned as soon as possible.”

As previously reported in the Post, the company made several attempts to find a business which could house the office following the resignation of the postmaster. They insisted any permanent changes would be the result of a six-week consultation and encouraged residents to help their search.

A spokesman said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the continued temporary closure.

“We know how important services are to people in Clydebank and we would like to reassure customers that we continue to work hard to restore the service to the community and are committed to maintaining services in the area.

“Customers wishing to access Post Office services may do so from any convenient Post Office branch, including Dalmuir post office and Clydebank post office.”