‘No more closures’ promise at opening of relocated post office

That was the message from Mark Gibson, Post Office Senior Stakeholder manager, following the official opening of the relocated premises.

Mr Gibson said: “We understand how important having a post office is to residents around Carrickfergus and I am confident this new modern post office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office and marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

For commercial reasons Post Office says it does not disclose the amount invested in individual branches, however, over £2bn is being committed to the network.

Earlier this year a six-week public consultation was carried out ahead of the switch of the service from its existing site at Victoria Road to the nearby Eurospar.

Loyal customer Katherine McCartney cut the ribbon to officially open the new outlet at the ceremony which was also attended by the Mayor, Alderman Charles Johnston.

The first citizen said: “The post office plays a vital role to the community of Carrickfergus and I’m sure the improved environment, and longer opening hours, will be warmly welcomed by the community.”

The branch has four serving positions: one is screened, two are open-plan and the other is an open-plan Post Office serving point at the retail counter. It is providing extra hours with services available from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12.00pm to 5.00pm on Sundays.

Fonsie Curr, postmaster at Victoria Road Post Office, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers to our newly modernised branch. I am very pleased to be officially launching it today for the community.

“I hope our customers like their new-look post office and I’d like to thank Mayor Charles Johnston for taking time from his busy schedule to come here today. I’d also like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.

“The new open-plan counter makes it easier for customers and staff to talk, and the extra opening hours, making it more convenient as people now have more choice as when to visit.”

Nationwide, the programme will see up to 8,000 branches modernised with additional investment in over 3,000 community and outreach branches.