The new Merkinch Post Office has been given the stamp of approval at its official launch. Husband and wife team Joan Smith and Javed Hussain have made disabled access a priority and Gale Falconer, chairperson of Shopmobility Highland, cut the ribbon. Explaining the virtues of the new shop Gale said: "Easier access - at the main Post Office there’s two pairs of double doors to get through, here there’s one door and a ramp, it’s brilliant to be able to get access."
New Subpostmistress Joan explained there will also be a rail and a low shelf. She said: "We want to provide the best possible service for all our customers, particularly those who are disabled or have special needs". Although the pair work as a team Javed will be concentrating on the shop side of the business. "I hope the local people will use the Post Office and if there’s anything that they wish or desire that they will tell us, we’re here to serve the customer - the customer is always right" he said.
Customers Mrs Walker and Mrs Manson, both of Cameron Square, said they thought there had been a vast improvement since the move from Grant Street and looked forward to not having to queue outside in the cold.
Overseeing the opening was David Duff, Retail Network Manager from Post Office Counters. He said: "The move to a larger store is long overdue but there was never a suitable location. This has been what the area needs, it is one of the biggest sub post offices in the town."