Central Scotland SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has welcomed an announcement by the Scottish Government that £1 million will be made available to help Scotland’s local post offices survive the recession and expand their businesses. The funding was secured in a vote in the Scottish Parliament on the SNP Government’s budget.

Describing the funding as a welcome boost for a local service which has been under huge pressure in recent years, Christina said:

“This announcement shows that the SNP is focused on protecting important frontline public services in these troubled economic times.

“£1 million is a substantial amount to help local post offices in Scotland survive and offer expanded activities. It is a significant investment from the Scottish Government at a time when difficult decisions are having to be made.

“Post offices in Quarter, Coatshill and many other Lanarkshire communities have been lost in recent years, so investment that will help to prevent further closures is particularly important in this area.

“Post offices play an important role in the life of many communities. As well as postal services, they can provide access to money and banking facilities, support for local shops, and a hub for the community. This is reflected in the high value that local people attach to their post office.

“It’s very disappointing that Labour MSPs voted against this important investment in Parliament, particularly after local Labour MPs Tommy McAvoy and Jimmy Hood both voted in favour of the post office closure programme that led to the loss of the Coatshill and Quarter offices. It’s further proof that only the SNP can be trusted to defend vital local services.”