Announcing decisions on the future of branches across the north-east of Scotland, Tayside and Fife, following a six-week public consultation which ended in early July, Post Offices Limited confirmed that the proposal to introduce an outreach service at Glamis has been withdrawn and the branch will remain open after consultation feedback concerning high levels of business transactions for small essential businesses in the area.

However, there was no similar good news for the branches at Dundee Road in Forfar and Southmuir in Kirriemuir - both facilities set to be axed, leaving the two burghs with just the one main post office to serve their respective communities.

In addition, the post office service operating from Peel Farm, Lintrathen, by Kirriemuir, is to go, while, in a new move, Post Office Limited has announced a six-week public consultation on a proposal to close the facility operating from a farmhouse east of the village of Lunanhead.

There was a mixed reaction from Angus MP Mike Weir to the Wednesday morning announcement.

Mr Weir welcomed the decision of Post Office Limited to reverse the decision to downgrade Glamis Post Office but reacted with anger to the announcement that the closures are to go ahead at Dundee road Forfar and Southmuir Kirriemuir and that Lunanhead Post Office is now going to public consultation for possible closure.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Weir said:
"I am, of course, absolutely delighted that the Post Office have reacted to the magnificent campaign mounted by the village of Glamis to save their Post Office. They have shown a huge community spirit and the importance of the facility to the villager and to the future of rural business in Angus.

"I was highly impressed by the huge attendance at public meetings and with the petition which I presented to the House of Commons.
"There will be a tremendous feeling of relief within the whole community of Glamis at this news."

Mr Weir was, however, angry at the intention to continue with the closure plans at Dundee Road Forfar and Southmuir, Kirriemuir.
"In both cases very strong reasons were put forward for the retention of these post offices and it ridiculous that they have been rejected, leaving both towns with only one post office apiece.

"I do not believe that these services will be sufficient to meet the needs of Forfar and Kirriemuir and will rebound upon the Post Office.

"The inequality and ridiculous nature of the whole programme is demonstrated by the proposal to bring Lunanhead into the equation.
"This just shows how unfair and bias the whole programme is - by working towards a quota a victory in one area rebounds upon another community."