GOUROCK Post Office has been forced to close because of a Covid-19 case.

The shutters went down on the Kempock Street branch last Thursday and it has remained shut since.

Post Office bosses say it is a result of staff shortages caused by the pandemic and that the premises will be closed until next week'.

Customers contacted the Tele after the doors were unexpectedly locked for the second time this year.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Gourock Post Office has been temporarily closed since Thursday lunchtime due to staffing issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"The branch is due to re-open next week."

In February this year the Post Office, which is part of the USave store, suddenly closed down for a few days, with staffing issues blamed for the interruption.

One fed up customer said: "This is the second time this has happened in a few months.

"We just want to know when the post office is going to reopen again.

"There are people in the town who rely on it and there is not another one close by."

In March this year there was also further controversy around the branch when there was criticism over a decision by Royal Mail to stop people living in the town from using Kempock Street post office to collect undelivered parcels.

Instead they now have to travel to the main sorting office in Greenock's Knowe Road.

A Post Office spokesperson said today that until the premises is able to reopen customers will have to use alternative branches such as Auchmead Road, Bow Road, Brisbane Street and Murdieston Street in Greenock.