Lockerbie Post Office staff are being verbally abused by customers on a daily basis.
Postmistress Karen Wilson said she and her staff have been appalled at the “terrible” attitude of an aggressive minority.
She posted an appeal on Facebook, urging people to behave in a more appropriate manner to those trying to keep essential services open during the lockdown.
Mrs Wilson said: “The amount of abuse myself and my staff are being subjected to on a daily basis is disgusting.
“Any measure we have put in place, hand sanitiser as you enter our premises and social distancing to be adhered to, is for the safety of our staff and customers.
“Verbal abuse or damage to our property will not be tolerated. Everyone is on edge at the moment and this is uncharted territory but please be kind to everyone.”
She added: “The people who are being abusive are in the minority but it is getting harder and harder to leave our families at home to come into what feels like a war zone.
“Once all this is over people will return back to their normal lives but unfortunately we will remember the ones who acted in such a disgusting manner when everyone was suffering.
“We thank all our lovely customers who appreciate the service we are trying to provide. To the minority: stay at home.”
The post office and newsagent’s shop on Lockerbie High Street allows a maximum of four customers in at a time with demarcation between the two elements of the business.
But some customers are unhappy at having to use hand sanitiser when entering and Mrs Wilson said many are making unnecessary trips to the shop to return items they have bought online.
She and a colleague started at 9am yesterday after the early shift, which deals with newspaper deliveries, had finished.
“Three minutes past nine was the first time my colleague got shouted at this morning,” she said. “We are not here to put up with that.
“We are trying to provide a lifeline to people to pay bills and top up on gas and the like. We are not here for sending back returns to places that are shut. A lot of those companies have put in 120 days for returns. All have done away with the 14 days. There’s no need for people to make unnecessary trips to the post office for returns.
“We are getting parcels thrown on to scales. The attitude of some people is just terrible. It’s quite soul destroying. I have almost had enough.”
Several people responded with encouragement for the shop staff. One said: “So sorry to read this. Thank you to everyone at Lockerbie Post Office for all you are doing.”
