A POST office in East Ayrshire is set to close this week following the resignation of its retail partner...and there are no plans to provide a replacement.

Customers of the post office in Dalrymple have been told by the Post Office that the facility at the Spar store in Barbieston Road will close for the last time on Tuesday, April 23 at 3pm.

The Post Office said it had "undertaken a comprehensive review of the network to ensure that it continues to meet evolving customer needs in a very challenging economic climate".

Despite the loss of the service, Post Office Ltd says there are currently no plans to replace the Dalrymple branch.

It comes just a few days after the closure of the post office in nearby Coylton, which shut for the final time on April 11.

Constituency MSP Elena Whitham says she has written to the Post Office to seek further information and assurances.

The Post Office announcement said: "We are writing to inform you that, regrettably, following the resignation of our retail partner the above branch will be closing.

"The Post Office has undertaken a comprehensive review of the network to ensure that it continues to meet evolving customer needs in a very challenging economic climate.

"This review examined the network at a very detailed, local level, analysing customer demand and accessibility of Post Office products and services.

"Consequently, it has informed our plans for the Network as we work to ensure
that, our funding and resources are allocated to deliver maximum benefit for all customers.

"At this time, therefore, we are not looking to replace Dalrymple."

People in Dalrymple who need to use Post Office services will now have to travel to Alloway or Maybole, round trips of eight or 16 miles respectively.

The Post Office says that any comments or questions regarding the closure can be emailed to comments@postoffice.co.uk.