THE future of the Post Office in Alloa is under threat as its parent store confirmed it will close its doors this week.

Eros Retail, which runs the Little Greens store on Mill Road, announced that it was ending its retail operation in Alloa – citing rising costs and the decline of High Street business.

It is hoped that a solution could be brokered that may allow for the Post Office to continue at the location.

Post Office officials have since issued an appeal to Wee County businesses who might be able to house the Post Office.

Eros, meanwhile, are also looking for a buyer to take over the store. However, if one cannot be found this week, the store will close on Saturday.

A spokesman for Eros Retail told the Advertiser: “It is with great regret that Eros Retail have announced the closure of its retail operation in Alloa.

“Little Greens, situated at 1 Mill Road, will cease trading on Saturday August 10.

“The company attributes the closure to the ongoing increase in retail operating costs outwith its control as well as a general decline in the High Street.

“It has endeavoured to weather these difficult pressures but can no longer do so.

“The store has been left in a position whereby it cannot continue as a sustainable business despite the best efforts of everyone involved.

“It is hoped the Post Office within the store might remain open, as it is not operated by Eros Retail. Eros Retail are fully facilitating dialogue to ensure the continued operation of the Post Office."

Eros bosses say they are now speaking with employees about their future, with a view to minimising job losses.

The statement continued: “We have given deep consideration to the ongoing viability of Little Greens in Alloa and have taken the difficult decision that the store will cease trading as of Saturday August 10, unless a buyer can be found.

“We are in close consultation with our affected employees and will, as far as possible, try to mitigate against any redundancies.

“We send our heartfelt thanks to our staff and customers for their loyalty and support in Alloa.”

The announcement comes as a blow to Wee County residents who vented their anger when the store closed temporarily in February, leaving many elderly people without access to a host of services.

Eros claimed that closure had been down to "procedural reasons" but did not explain further when pressed by the Advertiser.

The move in February, and the disruption it caused, was branded "unacceptable" by local MSP Keith Brown.

The Post Office will now turn its attention to finding alternative premises for its Alloa branch.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “Following the withdrawal of premises for Post Office use, Alloa Post Office will close temporarily on August 11, 2019.

“We understand how important a Post Office can be to a community and would like to reassure customers that we are working hard to maintain services in the area after this date.

“Any retailer or small business owner interested in running the Post Office and incorporating it into their business should email nd.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or visit runapostoffice.co.uk”