LARGS Post Office staff are pleading with locals to 'use it or lose it' as they 'struggle to stay afloat.

Workers at the Gallowgate Square branch say they have been losing customers in recent years as they try to battle online competition and a dip in demand for their services.

Staff insist they remain a vital community resource - and are encouraging people to use them and spend with local businesses.

Since the closure of the Clydesdale Bank in the town, the post office is the last point of contact for many locals for saving and banking services.

Sub-postmistress Susan Craddock, pictured, said: "Post offices are struggling and ours is no exception.

"We have moved premises and opened our cafe, which to be honest is keeping us afloat at the moment.

"I feel the post office could be the hub of the community again as social isolation is a real concern for some people, particularly if elderly or vulnerable.

"Due to government pressures to reduce costs, we have lost a lot of our business, some to online but a lot of our customers left us to use banks, as advised by the Department of Work and Pensions.

"As the banks close branches, we are now seeing some of these customers come back which is welcome of course, although the payments to us remain greatly diminished.

"Keeping the cash flowing in the town and not going elsewhere is vital for the viability of the local community.

"We welcome all customers, old and new and will do our very best to help everyone - people can even grab a cup of tea and a chat."

As well as offering passport assistance and travel money, the post office can also assist with banking and Susan says its important people know they are still there to help.

She added: "Whilst the services do vary according to the particular bank, in most instances you can instantly deposit cash with a card, deposit cash with a pay in book and withdraw cash.

"We can deposit cheques, although personalised pay in slips are required to pair cheque to your account. These are in the back of your chequebook or can be requested from your bank.

"We also offer a change giving service which your bank offers through the post office and you will get a card to bring to us or we can use your account number for some banks.

"These services are available to personal and business customers, although we can't transfer between accounts without the cards or pay bills using the bank giro system, such as credit card bills.

"We want to do our bit to help Largs town centre."