THE post office in Wemyss Bay has been given a last minute reprieve from closure.

The Telegraph recently reported how plans were in place for the facility, based within the Spar shop on Ardgowan Road, to close from next month.

Bosses blamed the resignation of the operator and withdrawal of the premises.

They stated they were 'working hard' to keep the closure period to a minimum and that customers would be directed to the upper Skelmorlie branch or the facility in Auchmead Road, Greenock in the interim.

Management added that they were investigating options available to reinstate a 'sustainable' Post Office service to the community.

The closure date was given as March 9, with the news causing concern in the local community.

Now it has been revealed the branch has been given a stay of execution, as bosses confirm the closure has been postponed.

They have formally written to Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan to advise him of the new developments.

Mr Cowan had previously raised his concerns with Post Office management about 'the loss of a vital service'.

The MP today said that the u-turn and branch 'staying open is very much welcomed'.

Mr Cowan added: "I will be responding asking the Post Office to ensure the long term future of the service."

In his letter, Daniel Rooney, account executive with the Post Office, said: "Further to my previous letter in which I advised that the above branch would be closing temporarily on Tuesday 9 March 2021, due to the resignation of the operator of the partner service and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use, I am now writing to let you know that the operator has decided to delay the closure of the Post Office and the branch will continue to operate as normal to provide a service to the local community."

Mr Rooney says that a further update will be provided as soon as further information is available.

He said: "I know that the local community will welcome this news and hope you and our customers will continue to support their local Post Office."