Co-op consider Dufftown post office proposal
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The co-op is considering plans to open a post office inside its store in Dufftown.
Dufftown currently has no post office at all with the local branch having closed three years ago.
Locals have informed Moray MP Douglas Ross about this problem, and he has spoken to those in charge at the co-op regarding the matter.
At the moment it remains early stages with nothing concrete – according to a letter sent to Mr Ross by Steve Jobling, Stores Services Manager at the co-op.
The letter said there would be "no firm answer at this time" but added "We will persevere with this as I hope we will be able to provide this service to the Dufftown community."
The main problem going forward, from the co-op's point of view, is how to re-draw the layout of the premises. The storage space needed is the main barrier at present.
"We are looking at all possible options to be able to provide this facility," Mr Jobling's letter said. "I have asked our format team to re-draw the layout twice to see where we can provide the necessary till for a post office local and the storage needed for the mail to remain secure, which is the problem we are currently facing and the barrier to us moving forward with this service."
Although potential problems remain, Douglas Ross, who brought this issue to the attention of the co-op to begin with, is happy with the outlook going forward: "I’m delighted the co-op are now looking at options to re-draw the store layout in Dufftown, which would enable them to provide a facility I know will be welcomed by local people.
"While they have been trying to find a solution I’m pleased my letter seems to have focused their attention to ensure they will deliver this service and I look forward to receiving more updates in the near future."
At present, no time frame has been set by the co-op for any potential upgrade. The letter was sent to Douglas Ross on May 20.
