THE CLOSURE of a Glasgow post office will be “detrimental” to an already struggling community, a local councillor has warned.

It was announced yesterday that the Post Office will shut 37 of its directly-managed offices, putting them out for franchise.

The move is said to cost around 300 jobs and 127 specialist roles, and had been slammed by trade unions.

Drumchapel’s Hecla Avenue branch has been targeted for closure, along with Motherwell’s Brandon Avenue branch.

Malcolm Balfour, SNP councillor for Drumchapel has hit out at the plans, and said they will have a negative effect on his ward.

He said: “ This is utterly outrageous. Drumchapel is an already deprived area and has problems with unemployment.

“With this closure, more people will lose their jobs and it will be a loss for the local community.”

Mr Balfour now plans to write to the Post Office directly to express his concerns,and says he will continue to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile his MSP colleague Bill Kidd has also expressed concerns and said the plans, combined with proposals to close nearby Anniesland Job Centre is “ a continued assault on all our communities.”

He added: “ That’s why, along with my elected SNP colleagues, I am campaigning and arguing for expanding bus services, saving Job Centre services and keeping post office provision with the associated access and jobs throughout our area.’

Roger Gale, Marketing Director at the post office said: “We will take time to identify the right partners over the coming months and all proposals will be subject to local consultation.

“Post Office has a strong record of supporting people through change and we will be keeping affected staff fully informed as we develop our plans.”