ONE local councillor has blasted a decision to close Drongan Post Office.

Doon Valley councillor, Moira Pirie has accused Royal Mail of putting 'profit before convenience'.

It was announced last week that the villages Post Office is set to close following the resignation of the postmaster.

Residents and businesses in the village will now be temporarily left without the service of the Post Office from next month.

The branch is now earmarked to close on July 20 and the Post Office is actively looking for local retailers who would be interested in housing a Post Office to step forward.

Councillor Pirie expressed her disappointment at the decision.

Councillor Pirie said: "Like everyone in the village I am disappointed that this service is being withdrawn. However, also like most of the village I was bewildered and upset that our original Post Office were given what amounted to an ultimatum to change or give up. The Sturgeon's had served this village for as long as I can remember father to son. What George Sturgeon did not know about Post Office business was not worth knowing. Why this successful operation had to change only the newly privatised Royal Mail can know.

"It was brave of Ian Mitchell to take it on and ensure Drongan had a Post Office but it is a very onerous business and to try and staff it for the long hours now required has proved impossible. I think I speak for the village when I give a huge thank you to the Royal Mail for taking away a valued service used by everyone, but then it's profit before convenience."

A spokesman for the Post Office said: “Following the resignation of the postmaster, Drongan Post Office will close temporarily on Wednesday July 20.

"Customers should be assured that the Post Office is committed to retaining Post Office services in Drongan. We understand how important having access to a Post Office service is to the local community and our local field team are working hard to identify ways which will enable us to provide a service in the future. Local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790 or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk”

Meanwhile, the local MSP has also expressed concerns over the decision.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Jeane Freeman said: “This is very disappointing news for the Drongan community, and in particular those who rely on the services provided by the local Post Office. I have contacted Post Office Ltd seeking a swift resolution. There are members of the local community who would have difficulty in accessing post office services elsewhere and I would certainly be advocating Post Office Ltd look at introducing a mobile service in the interim period to ensure Drongan residents are not adversely affected.”