RENFREWSHIRE Council is investigating whether a new community Post Office for Lochwinnoch could be based in one of its buildings.

It was announced last month that the Post Office inside the village’s Spar shop would be closing in March.

The move has angered residents, who now face travelling to Johnstone, Beith or Kilbirnie to collect or send parcels.

And for those who don’t drive, the journey will be even more awkward, with no public transport linking the village to Beith or Kilbirnie and only one bus an hour heading to Johnstone.

But an answer to villagers’ prayers could be on the horizon, as local authority chiefs have revealed they are looking at options for basing a new Post Office from a council-owned site.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Lochwinnoch, said: “I am extremely saddened by the loss of the village Post Office and many constituents and businesses have raised it with me.

“I have been working with Lochwinnoch Community Council on trying to retain a Post Office for the village and have pledged to determine if council buildings could be used.

“I have written to [council] officers to outline the situation and am pleased that, in principle, they see no obvious barriers.”

A council spokesman said: “We have been approached to look into whether council buildings could accommodate a new community Post Office for Lochwinnoch following the announcement the current Post Office is to close.

“We are considering what options may be available and are engaging with Councillor Doig and members of the local community.”

CJ Lang, which runs the Spar, has said there is no longer enough space in the shop for the Post Office and it is impacting on overall store operations.

Chief executive Colin McLean insisted there would be no job losses and the firm would be using the space to improve the store’s range.