THE OWNER of Peebles Post Office fears that businesses in the town will suffer if changes being discussed for the local bus service become a reality.

Ian Carruthers, who has run the post office since 1996, believes footfall would be taken away from the Eastgate and High Street if Scottish Borders Council move the on-street bus stop into the nearby Eastgate car park in a bid to ease traffic congestion in the town.

He said: “Buses stopping on the street encourages footfall to our local businesses. Last week there were roadworks so the buses coming to Peebles had to stop at the roundabout as you enter Peebles, rather than coming right in.

"In these three days I saw at least a 20 per cent footfall reduction.

“If the buses are made to stop away from the main street and in the car park instead, people will go to the nearest shop for their needs – Sainsbury’s. 

“People like convenience. To take the bus stop away from our front doors and instead have commuters herded towards this supermarket chain would be unbelievably detrimental to us small business owners.”

Mr Carruthers believes that the congestion problem would instead be solved by bus companies altering their timetable. “No buses come for ages and then four or five arrive at once,” he explained. “That’s what’s causing issues, not the position of the bus stop.”

The businessman also fears a further reduction in custom amidst already difficult times.

He added: “Post offices generally are going through a tough time. Services for passports, driving licences, car tax, postage – virtually everything – are now available online. 

“The government are not helping rural post offices at all as they try to make services as cheap as possible, which means online. Our local council has a responsibility to encourage business and footfall onto our high street and moving the bus stop would not be conducive to this.”

Tweeddale councillor Graham Garvie is sympathetic to the concerns of Mr Carruthers and his neighbours and assures their views will be taken into account.

He said: “Following a meeting several weeks ago between First Bus and Peebles councillors, council officials, in consultation with First Bus and other bus companies operating locally, are examining options for easing traffic congestion at the present main Peebles bus stop outside the Post Office.

"We await the outcome of that examination but local shopkeepers and residents can be assured they will be fully consulted upon any possible changes – and there may be none."