A NEW postmaster is putting his stamp on things as he brings vital counter services back to the east end of Greenock.

Jai Dhillon, who owns the Premier Store shop on Sinclair Street, is looking forward to welcoming customers to James Watt Dock Post Office, on the same street, on January 26.

Customers have been without a post office for four months following the resignation of the operator and closure of the McColl's shop in September.

It will run from the same location but within Jai's new Family Shopper brand store in Sinclair Street.

Jai, 51, who owns the building, was previously the postmaster prior to letting the property out to McColl's in 2016.

He said "There is a huge demand for a post office in the east end.

"I've traded in this area for a long time and I know the people in the area really well.

"I know there is a need for a post office here and that people have really missed it.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming customers back."

Councillor Michael McCormick, who campaigned to get post office services restored in the area, said: "I am delighted that a post office is going to be continuing in the east end of the town.

"It has been there so long and is so important that a full range of post office services are going to be available to the people there.

"It's good for the east end of the town.

"The fact that Brian Power from the Craigend Centre and myself campaigned and kept pressure on the post office has paid off."

Ronnie Cowan MP who has been fighting post office and bank closures and to retain local services in Inverclyde has also welcomed the move.

He said: "Constituents have had to do without the vital services provided by this post office since September.

"I have been liaising with senior management in order to underline to them the importance of this branch since its temporary closure, and the necessity of having it re-open in a reasonable timescale.

"Post offices provide essential services to my constituents and I will continue to highlight the vital role of these services across my constituency.

"I understand that these are challenging times on our high streets, but vital services must be maintained."

David Duff, Post Office Network Provision Lead, said: “We are delighted to be restoring services at James Watt Dock branch as we know how important a post office is to a community.”

Opening hours will be Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm.