A CAMPAIGN to bring post office services back to Duntocher and surrounding areas has succeeded.

The Sadiq brothers who run Duntocher’s Spar store have comfirmed they have been given a licence to operate a post office.

The move has been welcomed by the communities which are set to benefit after the last post office shut in Hardgate more than two years ago.

After the closure, residents were forced to travel up to three miles to the branch at the Clyde Shopping Centre in Clydebank.

Read more: Twice banned drunk driver handed licence to drive taxi

Barry Sadiq, who runs the Dumbarton Road store with brother Ashy, said the new services would open in a couple of months once refit work had been completed.

Barry said: “We knew there was a lack of post offices in the area, so we looked at all the options and thought fair enough, we’ll go for it.”

The Sadiq family, who have run the shop for 35 years, believe the extra services will boost footfall, as well as being a boost for Duntocher and surrounding communities.

Councillor Douglas McAllister, who worked with the brothers in the campaign to return post office services to the area, is delighted with the positive news.

Speaking about the Sadiq brothers, he said: “They have served Duntocher for more than 30 years. I had to persuade them it was a vital public service.

“They have been very community-minded and realised they would increase their loyal customer base.”

“This is great news for Duntocher but I couldn’t have done it without the Sadiq brothers.”

Cllr McAllister also praised the support given by community campaigner Jim Brown, whose wife Marie ran a post office in Duntocher until the early 1990s.

Mr Brown told the Post: “It’s great for the community and great for the Spar brothers. Well done to Douglas McAllister for all the work he has done to secure this.”

Read more: Man 'robs bracelet' then hands himself in while 'carrying drugs'

He called on the community and small businesses to use the new facilities.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP also welcomed the news.

He said: “The services provided by Post Offices are vital to the vibrancy of our communities so this is great news for Duntocher and the surrounding area.

“I have been pressing Post Office bosses on the urgent need to return Post Office facilities to the area for some time now.

“There have been discussions ongoing with local businesses and it’s welcome that new premises are close to finally being secured.

“I will continue speaking up in parliament on behalf of my constituents about the importance of improving local post office services in Clydebank and across West Dunbartonshire.”