ARROCHAR’S long-serving postmistress has stepped down from the role after “many years of dedicated service”.

Melanie Tonks’ decision to vacate the position was announced last month by the Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust, meaning the village’s post office, which had been operated from the Pit Stop community café on Shore Road since moving from Braeside Stores in 2016, has been relocated.

The Pit Stop community café ceased trading at the start of November with last Saturday, November 21, marking Melanie’s final day in charge of post office operations.

READ MORE: Fears over future of Arrochar Post Office

Post Office services will, however, continue in the village, having relocated to the Three Villages Hall on Monday, where the postmaster from Crianlarich Post Office is to offer a temporary hosted outreach service.

Robert Sharp, Post Office area network change manager, said: “We are pleased that the postmaster for Crianlarich will be maintaining Post Office service to Arrochar whilst we continue to look for a permanent solution.

“We know that this community will welcome this news.”

READ MORE: Jobs boost for Arrochar and Tarbet as hotels set for 2021 re-opening

The service will be available on Mondays from 9am-2pm and will operate from the main reception desk in the hall.

A post shared on the trust’s Facebook page on Saturday paid tribute to outgoing postmistress Melanie and staff member, Belinda Henocq, and said that the current operating hours “will be kept under constant review”.

The post added: “Without making any promises, we would hope that if there is evident demand and the capacity to add an additional day, this will merit serious consideration by the Post Office.”

Keep up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond headlines here