FURTHER meetings could be held in a bid to see a permanent Post Office return to Gullane.

The village’s community council is keen to meet with representatives from the Post Office and East Lothian Council following the closure of the Post Office at the end of last year.

Previously, the Post Office was located within the Gullane Mini-Market convenience store on Stanley Road.

Jeremy Findlay, chairman of Gullane Area Community Council, described the current situation as “unsatisfactory” and told the Courier they were still trying to arrange a meeting to improve matters.

Currently, some postal services are still available within the convenience store and a temporary post office within the village hall each Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm.

Mr Findlay said: “We had hoped the Post Office would accept the idea of a community post office.

“It would go back into the shop and they would offer more services three days a week.”

However, that is yet to take place and the idea of the Post Office being based in the village’s library has been ruled out.

Mr Findlay added: “It is very frustrating, especially for those people that do not have their own transport. People with a car can travel to North Berwick or Aberlady for the Post Office but if you are not mobile all you can do in Gullane is buy a stamp.

“It is very frustrating for a lot of people in a village getting 300 houses – it is not a satisfactory state of affairs.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of Gullane Post Office following the resignation of the postmaster and withdrawal of premises for Post Office use.”

“Post Office services were restored to Gullane on Wednesday, March 8, following the introduction of a temporary Post Office Outreach service operated by the postmaster from East Linton Post Office.”

“The temporary outreach service will operate from Gullane Village Hall, Hall Crescent, Gullane, every Wednesday between 1pm and 3pm.

“The service will offer a wide range of Post Office products and services while we continue to seek a permanent solution for the area.

“We would like to reassure customers that we will continue to work hard to restore a permanent service to the community and are committed to maintaining services in the area.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should ring 0845 266 8790 and talk to an adviser or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk or visit www.runapostoffice.co.uk”