Newsagents across the Scottish Borders have been hit by late deliveries of newspapers since the closure of Menzies Galashiels depot.
The distribution company delivers newspapers and magazines every morning to shops and other premises.
Keystore Coldstream were left without newspapers in the early morning meaning that papers could not be delivered, and early shoppers could not purchase their newspaper.
Newspapers were previously delivered between 5-6am but were not arriving until after 7.30am.
Local MP, John Lamont, stepped in and Menzies agreed to put a plan in place to get earlier deliveries to the Coldstream store.
However, since being reported in the Berwickshire News, a spate of other newsagents have been in touch with the MP saying that they have experienced similar delays since the closure of the Tweedside Park depot.
Shops have been affected in Galashiels, Jedburgh and across Berwickshire.
Mr Lamont has been back in touch with Menzies Chief Executive to ensure local businesses are not losing out on vital revenues, and locals are receiving their newspapers.
John Lamont MP said: “I was delighted that I was able to help out Wasim and his team in Coldstream who were affected by the closure of the Menzies depot. However, I am dismayed that this does not appear to be an isolated incident.
“Newspapers remain a vital source of information for many and is an important source of income for local shops across the Borders. This is especially the case because of the pandemic.
“Not receiving an early delivery means that school kids who do the paper rounds are already at school, and early morning shoppers are not getting their paper.
“This is a real drain on resources and sales for shopkeepers.
“I have heard from some Borders residents who say their local shop is not receiving deliveries until just before noon. This is not good enough.
“Menzies made a decision to cut back their infrastructure in the Borders. But this does not mean that they can leave their business customers without a service they deserve.
“I have contacted their chief executive once again and I hope to get this matter resolved as soon as possible.”
