THE boss behind a planned new post office for Gourock says he will restore the vital frontline to the heart of the community and establish a banking hub within it.

Businessman Christopher Allan, who owns a network of branches in the west of Scotland, has been lined up to take the branch on in a brand new base.

He says he recognises that the service is vital to the local economy and residents.

The town's branch has suffered troubled times in recent years, with short-notice closures and complaints from customers.

Now a fresh stamp is to be put on the service by moving it to 85 Kempock Street from the current address at number 29-31, with Mr Allan taking the helm.

He has already lined up one of his experienced members of staff, Jenna Campbell, who lives in Gourock, to run it.

Christopher, 34, from Glasgow said: "We are really looking forward to opening up in Gourock.

"Jenna works in my Duke Street Glasgow branch and made me aware of the need for a permanent service in Gourock.

"A member of Jenna's family actually owns the gift shop next door, so I know it is ideal.

"Every town needs a post office and I believe passionately in providing the service.

"We are looking at ways to provide the best service with opening hours.

"A lot of local businesses in the town rely on a post office for deliveries, so we want to accommodate them as best we can.

"A banking hub is something we have the facilities to do. I am actively looking at in Gourock because all the bank branches have closed.

"A post office can still thrive. I find if you provide the right service people will use it.

"I know there has been a real problem with post offices in Inverclyde and there have been a lot of closures in recent years. That is something we want to reverse."

Christopher swapped working as an air steward when he opened up post office branches six years ago.

Since then he has built up a network from Carluke to Glasgow and out to Erskine.

Christopher added: "I go where there is a demand and we build the service up."

The Post Office announced recently they had found a new postmaster for the branch after it had been beset by problems in recent years.

They have started a consultation on the proposed changes which runs until November 14.

To take part in it visit www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/gourock-pa19-1nb-217859/