Ballynahinch could lose Post Office with postmaster retiring

Ballynahinch could lose Post Office with postmaster retiring

11 December 2019

BALLYNAHINCH could be left without a Post Office in the New Year.

The current Post Office in Lisburn Street is due to close on January 8 after the postmaster announced his resignation.

Post Office officials hope that the closure will be temporary, but there are fears that if no one comes forward to take over the service, the market town will be left without a dedicated post office for the first time in generations.

Post Office officials have confirmed that they are currently investigating a number of options with a view to retaining the service for the local community. 

They say that as part of examining the various options, it is critical that any future service is sustainable, both for the person operating the service and for Post Office Limited.

Postal officials have also warned that future provision will reflect customer numbers and usage and may lead to the establishment of what is being described as an “alternative type of service” which could potentially be a new style local branch run alongside an established retail shop in newly refurbished premises, “creating a more modern and convenient experience for customers”.

In a letter to local politicians, postal officials have apologised for the inconvenience the temporary closure in Ballynahinch may cause and hope that, in the meantime, customers will continue to use the town’s post office and neighbouring branches.

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker says he hopes that someone in the business community will come forward to ensure post office services continue in Ballynahinch in the New Year.

“I believe this is an opportunity a local business should grasp to ensure that Ballynahinch retains its post office which provides a wide range of services,” he continued.

“Several years ago, the future of the town’s post office was under threat when the former SuperValu store closed. Someone came forward and this was welcomed by elderly people who would not be forced to travel outside the town to access services.”

Cllr Walker says it is vital that Ballynahinch retains its dedicated postal office and appealed to someone the town’s business community to consider taking over the service.

“Ballynahinch is Down District’s third largest town and it would be a body blow if the planned temporary closure became permanent,” he said.

“The bottom lines appears to be that if no one comes forward to offer to run the service it will close and that will impact on people across the community. 

“The role of local post offices has changed considerably over recent years, with many transferring to large supermarkets which ensured that they were open for much longer, including weekends.

“Many elderly people prefer to conduct their business at post offices, not banks. That is one of the many reasons why this vitally important service is not lost to Ballynahinch. A number of local post offices, which provide a much broader range of services including banking facilities, are now housed in retail premises.”

Cllr Walker added: “It is my hope that one of the major retailers in Ballynahinch will come forward to ensure that the service is not lost to the town. While the post offices are important to our major towns, many are also at the heart of rural communities across the district. For many, having access to their local post office is a lifeline.”