Post office set to move again

It is expected the premises will relocate in December.

A Post Office spokesperson said: ”A temporary agent has been running the branch since the contract with our former Subpostmaster came to an end.

"The premises at High Street are now being withdrawn for Post Office use, however, we are delighted that a new agent has secured premises at Market Street which will include a retail facility."

The premises in Market Street will be completely refurbished to incorporate a new, modern, main Post Office providing an improved environment for customers.

The spokesman added: "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.

"Should the move go ahead customers will also benefit from enhanced facilities including level access into the branch to assist those with mobility difficulties and nearby car parking.

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

The 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.”

The proposed, new location is at 26 Market Street and subject to the Public Consultation and the appointment of a new Sub Postmaster Lurgan Town Centre will maintain its Post Office.

The new location is a newsagent's shop and the owners intend to extend the premises to allow both businesses to operate side by side.

Councillor Johnny McGibbon welcomed the news: “The loss of Post Office services from the town centre would have had a devastating effect on the commercial heart of Lurgan and would have created a negative impact that would have been hard to recover from.

"It is therefore very welcome news that Post Offices Ltd has found a premises in Market Street to which the Post Office can be relocated. The proposed new location between the site of the old Market St Post Office and the current Post Office is suitably located for all the citizens of the town and we are hopeful that following the Public Consultation the appointment will proceed without delay."

Mr McGibbon concluded: “The type and volume of business conducted by a Post Office has radically altered in the last decade and the proposal to operate the existing business alongside the Post Office will increase the commercial viability of the venture. This proposal should ensure the long-term success of the town centre Post Office and we wish the proposed new management good luck and success in the venture.”