The Minister said that she will be meeting postal services watchdog Postwatch NI and Post Office Ltd to discuss and seek clarification on the impact that this announcement will have on rural areas.
She said: “I am concerned that this announcement could impact heavily on rural areas. There are important issues that need to be taken into account as this programme of closures is rolled out – issues such as rural isolation and accessibility, the effect on the less mobile or elderly, and employment in rural areas.”
The Minister continued: “I understand there are to be around 27 closures in rural areas and that there are proposals to replace 54 rural Post Offices with an outreach service. Although this may mean no change for some customers, I note that some mobile and hosted services will only be available once a week to certain areas. This could mean a severe restriction of services to some people. I intend to look at these proposals very carefully in the coming weeks to ascertain the full impact that these changes will have.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Post Office Ltd has initiated a six week public consultation on the National Closure Programme. This follows from a consultation last year on the size and shape of the Post Office network.
- Post Office Ltd is required to apply rigid national access criteria when selecting Post Offices for closure. Post Office Ltd will be required to consider the availability of transport, alternative access, local demographics and the impact on local economies.
- All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
