With the closure of the CJ Lang Post Office in the town of Allanton in North Lanarkshire last year, the first like-for-like replacement Post Office branch was welcomed by local residents.

Postmaster Omar Nasir, who already operates two other Post Office sites, opened the new branch in an area he believes was in real need of the service.

“Residents were really annoyed when the branch was removed because there is nothing nearby. It’s been open two and a half weeks, and we have already dealt with a lot of business banking,” Omar explains.

“This shop and Post Office are ideally located for residents, businesses and passing trade,” Omar adds. “We are on the A71, the second busiest A road in Scotland, with lots of passing traffic. We are fortunate enough to have plenty of parking, so the Post Office is in a more convenient location than ever before.”

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The grand opening of the new store was attended by members of the community and the area’s local member of parliament (MP), Anum Qaisar, and member of Scottish parliament (MSP) Neil Gray.

Qaisar, Scottish National Party MP for Airdrie and Shotts, explained at the grand opening on 4 March: “The reality is that retail units like this are absolutely vital in our local communities. The social aspect is really important as well for local people to come, meet the postmaster and build up that strong relationship.

“We have already seen a significant amount of footfall and that further demonstrates exactly why we need retail units like this, and I am really excited to see what happens next.”

Lee and Demi Bannatyne from Allanton are running the business and café on a day-to-day basis with their extended family. It is their first foray into retail, but they are determined to provide a strong offer for their community.