Following the public consultation period, Post Office Ltd have decided to proceed with their plans to close the Post Office in Morebattle Village Store, and replace it with an outreach service. There is some ambiguity regarding the actual closure date - as soon as we know for sure, we'll post it here.

Everyone is absolutely gutted to hear the news. This evening (Tuesday) the Community Council is holding its regular monthly meeting, and no doubt this will be discussed at length.

We're not going to give up, though. Michael Moore MP is writing to the Secretary of State "challenging the basis of the consultation and demanding a re-think of these flawed proposals".

John Lamont MSP is reported as saying: "This decision is a sickening blow to communities across the Borders who have fought so hard to try and save their local post office. It shows the consultation up for the sham that it is, making a mockery of the whole process. I am particularly disappointed that Post Office Ltd has not taken on board the huge outpouring of local feeling which has been expressed against these plans."

It seems amazing that the Government can find £50 billion or so down the back of the sofa to save the banks, but a few Million to save essential services like Post Offices is beyond them.