COMMUNITY leaders in Earlston have vowed to win back their post office following this week's shock closure.

Following the unexpected resignation of the postmaster the town has been left without a local branch.

Officials arrived on Wednesday at the High Street store where the branch was housed to remove all Post Office equipment and materials.

Although the closure was unexpected there had been some discontent in the town over its future.

It is understood members of Earlston Community Council as well as officials from the local authority had already been in contact with Post Office bosses due to concerns about the service.

And their fears were realised this week as the shutters came down.

Council leader David Parker told us: "The closure was not anticipated so quickly and I want to reassure everyone in Earlston that work is ongoing to try and secure an alternative Post Office and put in place a temporary Post Office provision whilst a new location is identified.

"Officers from Scottish Borders Council are currently in touch with the Post Office to put in place temporary provision, and to support efforts to secure an alternative provision.

"I can confirm that Earlston Community Council have discussed this issue on a number of occasions and there has been some dialogue with local businesses to try and identify a new host for the Post Office.

"Unfortunately, there will be a period of disruption but I am confident a solution will be found to allow for a Post Office to be reopened in Earlston in the months ahead.”

It is less than two years ago since Earlston lost its branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

And there was anger when the post office branch had its services reduced in 2013.

Although Earlston is left without a Post Office, bosses have stated they will look at finding an alternative site in the town.

A Post Office spokesperson told the Border Telegraph: “Following the resignation of the postmaster and the withdrawal of the premises for Post Office use Earlston Post Office temporarily closed this week.

“We know how important Post Office services are to people in the area and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.

“We would like to assure customers that we are currently investigating the options available which will enable us to reinstate a Post Office service to the local community.

"In exploring this, it is important that any future service is sustainable for the person operating the service, and for Post Office.”