The meeting was addressed by Connie Hewitt and colleagues from Post Office Limited and Chris Thirkettle of Postwatch. The meeting was also attended by John Swinney MSP and local councillors Glennis Middleton and Bill Middleton.

"It was abundantly clear that no one believed the proposition put forward by the Post Office that a community the size of Forfar could be adequately served by one Post Office," commented Mr Weir.

"Many spoke of the difficulties they already face with queues and waiting times at the office which they believe will get much worse if Dundee Road closes.

"Many other raised specific problems with accessing the remaining Post Office.

"Glennis Middleton and others raised the serious issue as to access for the elderly and those with disabilities and pointed out it was very difficult for them to access the office from the Myre Road car park because of the steep path.

"The Post Office representatives can have been left in no doubt that local residents did not feel that they had fully taken into account local circumstances in bringing forward the proposals, and were urging them strongly to go back and think again.

"Local residents have only until July 8 to make representations on the proposals. I would urge all local residents to write to both Post Office limited and Postwatch to ensure their voices are heard."

Anyone wishing to make representations can write to the Post Office at Sally Buchanan, FREEPOST Consultation Team or by email to consultation@postoffice.co.uk .

For Postwatch the address is Tricia Dow, Postwatch Scotland, 9-10 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AF or by email to Scotland@postwatch.co.uk.