A temporary base for Cambuslang Post Office has been found.
But there is still little chance of it being opened before the turn of the year.
Scotmid, who were forced to close their store and the post office within it last month due to asbestos, confirmed this week they had taken control of Unit Two in Cambuslang Gate with work on fitting it out starting immediately.
While the news will be a relief to residents, there are still concerns about the office being shut over Christmas.
And businesses on the Main Street this week revealed they have been left counting the cost of the closure with shoppers being forced to go elsewhere.
A spokesperson for Scotmid said work to their Main Street store would begin this week.
They also confirmed they were adding an accessible shuttle bus from the Main Street to the post office in Rutherglen, which will run every 15 minutes between 9am and 12pm Monday to Friday in addition to the bus service to East Kilbride.
They said: “Work has now started on a temporary post office in Cambuslang. The temporary post office will be located at Unit 2, Cambuslang Gate, 27 Main Street, Cambuslang G72 7HB.
“We expect to open the post office in January and will keep our customers updated.
“Scotmid Co-operative once again apologises for the inconvenience caused by this temporary closure.”
Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Tom Greatrex said: “It is not Scotmid or the Post Office’s fault this has happened, but it is hugely inconvenient and this situation underlines the importance of local post offices as a hub on the high street.
“I have pressed home the need to have this measure in place as soon as possible.
“It’s disappointing it will not be open before the new year, however it remains important that post office services are available in Cambuslang and to that extent I’m pleased they are making alternative measures.”
Mr Greatrex also said he “wasn’t surprised,” some firms had reported a knock-on effect from the closure. Jean Austin, manager of card shop Pandora’s Box on Cambuslang Main Street, said: “It has definitely had an impact.
“There are already parking problems and with the Post Office buses taking people to East Kilbride, people are shopping elsewhere.
“Our takings are down on last year and this is the time of year you want to boost sales.
“It’s a worry and there has certainly been a knock-on effect.”
Cambuslang West councillor, Clare McColl welcomed the news a temporary unit had been found, but revealed several shop owners have also experienced a drop in custom since the closure.
She said: “If people are visiting the town centre to carry out business at the post office then shops round about will also get custom.
“In the run up to Christmas and with the current economic climate they are finding it very, very difficult because people are going out of town.
“It’s a great service Scotmid are running but if they can’t open a store before Christmas that will have a real impact on the other Main Street shops.”
