THE people of Larkfield have won their fight for the return of a post office in the area.

New store Nisa in Auchmead Road has confirmed a counter will open in response to customer demand.

Local community councillors say it is a major victory for older people and others who have been left unable to access services.

It also comes as concern grows about the reduction in cash machines which offer free withdraws.

Nisa store manager Harry Ahmed said: "It is really something we wanted to do for our customers.

"They kept telling us they needed a post office.

"We would have had it up and running sooner, but Covid-19 delayed it opening.

"We are hoping for the post office counter to open by November."

Business is booming for the Nisa store, part of a new row of shops in Auchmead Road, beside Greggs and Dominos.

Harry added: "It is one of the best moves we have made opening a store here.

"It is a great place and we have been very busy.

"Our customers are great and it is a lovely community.

"They have really supported us."

Larkfield campaigner John Houston says the area was badly lacking a post office.

He added: "This is really welcome, especially for those who have missed the dwindling post office counter services

"Not everyone is able to fully utilise the cashless society, and with the increasing use of pay-to-withdraw cash machines around the community it is hurting those that need access to such services.

"I wish Nisa all the best in their efforts to restore Post Office services to Larkfield."

Mr Houston, who sits on the Larkfield Braeside & Branchton Community Council, says this is the latest in a number of positive developments.

He added: "In Larkfield we now have the new pharmacy in Burns Square as well as fast food, bakers, convenience stores and a 24 hour petrol station.

"It's easy to have a moan about the state of things but we have a good bedrock of local businesses in Larkfield and we welcome further development."