A former gift shop in Gourock’s town centre will be turned into a post office under ambitious new plans now out for public consultation.

Post Office bosses have announced that they have finally found a permanent solution for the service in the town, which has been beset by problems in recent years.

It follows public concern in recent years about a series of short notice closures.

Councillor Lynne Quinn stepped in and called on Post Office bosses to take action to secure a more reliable service.

Now they are set to launch a new branch in the town as part of a network around Scotland.

Under the new plans the post office will move to 85 Kempock Street, where Gourock Gifts used to be before it closed down in January this year.

The businessman bidding to take it over, Christopher Allan, says that he is looking at creating a banking hub within the premises as he promises to build up the branch.

Councillor Quinn said: “I am delighted that a new postmaster has now been contracted with a new premises on Kempock Street.

“I’ve had to raise the issue with senior management of the post office periodically over the last couple of years. We have seen temporary improvements but they have never been sustained.

“It was agreed that the contract for the Gourock post office would be put out to tender and they sought a new postmaster to take this over.

“They explored this with a number of individuals and businesses but this never reached a conclusion due to various reasons.

“I stressed to the Post Office that it was essential that a branch remained within Gourock town centre.”

Gourock Community Council is urging people to take part in the consultation.

Community councillor Geraldine Harron said: “Post office services are important and I hope people will take part and have their say.”

Mr Allan has posted a message on the Gourock Community Council page saying: “We really need to get the community behind this for it all to happen and grow for the town of Gourock and the surrounding areas.

“Post offices are sustainable, reliable and permanent fixtures in towns and cities, often referred to as the heart of the community.

“Post offices provide not only vital services to keep the general public happy but to also support and work with the local businesses offering advertising, banking, change facilities along with other services.”

To take part in the post office survey click here.