FEARS were expressed today over the future of Gourock’s new Post Office, as a row broke out over parcel deliveries.

Gourockians are now being told they will have to go to Greenock to pick up a parcel if they are not home when it is delivered.

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld has described that policy as ‘unacceptable’ and demanded a rethink.

He said: “This was not the plan when the consultation process was on the go regarding moving the post office along Kempock Street earlier this year.

“The community council have a letter stating that the current parcel service would continue at the new location.

“But the new post office in Gourock are now advising that they won’t be handling parcels at all.

“It means local people now have to travel to the Knowe Road office in Greenock to collect parcels.

“That will be inconvenient for people without their own transport — it’s unfair and contrary to what was promised, and is simply not good enough.” The Tele raised the issue with the Post Office, but bosses insisted nothing had changed.

A spokesperson said: “Royal Mail customers in Gourock who have a ‘something for you’ card can continue to pick up non-signed-for items at the new Gourock Post Office.

“Signed for items, such as special delivery or tracked items, need to be continue to be picked up from Greenock delivery office.” She added: “Royal Mail is currently reviewing the collection of parcels at the branch, and will be meeting with Post Office Ltd to discuss this as a matter of urgency.

“Customers do not need to pick up parcels if they don’t want to. Royal Mail offers for items to be re-delivered free to their address on a preferred day, including Saturday, or to another address in the same postcode. Royal Mail also uses ‘delivery to neighbour’, where the postman will leave your item with a neighbour unless customers wish to opt out of this service.” But Councillor Ahlfeld said he had double-checked his information and insists parcels could be collected in Gourock in the past.

He added that there are ‘significant rumours’ in the town that the new post office is having difficulties.

Mr Ahlfeld said: “Apart from the parcel situation, rumours persist that all is not well and that there are personnel and financial problems.

“I cannot get anyone to discuss this and sincerely hope these rumours are unfounded.

“It is vital that we have a fully functioning post office in Gourock.

“Over the years we have lost the main post office at the pierhead, the replacement one on Kempock Street and two sub-post offices at Midton and Shore Street.

“We must have an efficient service for the town.” The Tele put Mr Ahlfeld’s comments about possible problems to the Post Office, but no response was available.