By Alan Healy
A new building is being sought to house a city centre post office which is set to close in the New Year, it had emerged.
The Derry News revealed in October that The Diamond Post Office was set to close after plans emerged to incorporate the existing building into an adjacent bar.
At the time, a spokesperson for the Post Office told the Derry News that the lease is not being renewed at the branch, and that a ‘temporary closure’ may not be preventable.
However, in statement issued to the Derry News yesterday, the Post Office have said that it the premises at number 3, Bishop Street will close in the New Year.
The spokesperson added ‘alternative premises’ were now being sought to open up a new post office branch in its place.
The news marks the latest blow for local post offices, after Park Avenue branch closed its doors earlier this month, whilst there are also fears of the future of the GPO in Guildhall Street as the search continues for a new franchisee to run the service.
“We are aware that the premises that currently house The Diamond Post Office are being withdrawn for Post Office use in the New Year,” a spokesperson for the Post Office told the Derry News.
“Customers should be assured that the Post Office is committed to maintaining a service to local customers and will work hard to ensure this.
“If this change involves relocating the Post Office it would be subject to a full public consultation and we will work hard to minimise any inconvenience to our customers.”
The spokesperson added: The vacancy is being advertised and we will be seeking alternative premises for the post office so local retailers interested in this business opportunity should contact us on 0845 266 8790 or email NTquestions@postoffice.co.uk.”
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