Post office on the move

In the latest twist to the post office saga plans have been announced to move the existing post office on High Street back to its original site on Market Street after plans to site it elsewhere fell through.

Post Office Ltd announced that Lurgan Post Office branch will not be moving to a new location at 10 Market Street due to the landlord withdrawing their business offer on the premises.

However, the new subpostmaster has identified an alternative location at 2 Market Street, Lurgan - the old post office site.

Post Office Ltd is now proposing to move the service to these premises instead. The proposed premises are currently empty and the new subpostmaster plans to carry out a complete refurbishment and incorporate a convenience store alongside a new modern Post Office.

There will be a mixture of open-plan and traditional style screened counter serving positions, with a combined Post Office and retail till which means that customers can purchase retail items alongside Post Office products. The refurbishment will also include building work to provide level access at the entrance.

Branch opening hours will also be extended to open on Saturday afternoons. The new opening hours will be Monday to Saturday 9am-5:30pm

A temporary agent will continue to run the current branch at High Street until the new site is ready and our aim is to move to the new location during March.

A Post Office spokesperson, said: ”We are delighted to have this opportunity to safeguard the future of Lurgan Post Office branch while, at the same time, offering our loyal customers an enhanced service with improved access to our valued and trusted services.

“We are confident local people will welcome our proposal but naturally, before taking such an important step, we would like to hear their views. In particular, we would like comments on opening hours, access and facilities at the new location as well as any other issues they think we should know about in the Lurgan area.”

Anyone who wishes to comment on the relocation of Lurgan Post Office, or who has any questions, should write, by Tuesday, March 22, to: Post Office Ltd, c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, WATFORD, WD18 8ZW or send an e-mail to [email protected].