Orkney's main post office shuts 'without warning'
The BBC reports that the main post office in Kirkwall, formerly the Crown Office but now operated by UOE, has closed unexpectedly due to staff shortages.
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| Kirkwall main post office, Orkney, from Google maps, 2014. |
London-based Universal Office Equipment (UOE) took over the running of the former Crown Post Office as a franchise last autumn.
The handwritten note posted in the window said: "We are very sorry. UOE and Post Office have made the decision to close this branch until further notice.
"If you have a parcel, currency etc to collect, please contact Post Office directly."
The Post Office said the branch was closed due to staffing issues.
A PO spokesperson apologised for any inconvenience caused and directed customers to alternative branches at Papdale Stores or in Balfour village, despite that being a ferry ride away in Shapinsay.
They added that any parcels inside the branch would be collected by the relevant courier companies.
Betty Muir, who runs the nearest alternative branch in the town's Papdale Stores, said no prior warning was given and her staff had no time to prepare for the extra customers.
She told BBC Radio Scotland's Around Orkney programme: "The first we knew about it was yesterday morning. We were extremely busy and the girls wondered what on earth was going on because it felt like Christmas.
"You would have thought at least they would have given us some prior warning of what was going to be happening so we could have prepared ourselves for the influx of people."
Mark Kirkbride, who runs Finstown Post Office, said the Junction Road branch provided driving licence, foreign currency and passport services.
"It is absolutely key to the whole post office system," he said.
The Post Office spokesperson said: "Kirkwall Post Office has experienced staffing difficulties over a long period of time and now, regrettably, the branch has had to temporarily close.
"We want to thank our partner UOE for helping us to operate this branch on a temporary basis to provide continuity of service to the residents, businesses and tourists in Orkney since last November."
They added: "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."
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