A GROUP of mystery Gourock businessmen have stepped in to save Gourock Post Office, the Telegraph can reveal.

The Kempock Street branch closed without warning on Wednesday 22 October, leaving the town without a post office.

This has caused anger among customers, politicians, members of the public and the business community.

Furious Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, pictured, vowed to launch a petition to save the crucial service and said it was ‘nonsenical’ to expect elderly people to travel to Larkfield to conduct their business.

But he says he is delighted by the latest development, which was prompted by the story in the Tele about the sudden closure.

Cllr Ahlfeld said: “Following the article in the Telegraph, I was delighted to be contacted by some prominent local Gourock businessmen who have expressed an interest in taking over the local franchise.

“All details have been passed to the Post Office authorities, who will negotiate and discuss directly.

“Clearly, if this initiative reaches fruition, it could be of great benefit to all of us in Gourock.” Post Office bosses remain tight-lipped over the closure but say they are looking to employ someone on a temporary basis to get it up and running again.

A Post Office spokeswoman said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the continued closure of Gourock Post Office.

“We are currently recruiting a temporary postmaster to operate the branch and will restore the service to the community as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, customers can access Post Office services at Nairn Road Post Office, 5-7 Nairn Road, Larkfield, Greenock, PA16 0ES.”