A NORTH Down MLA has called for ‘immediate clarity’ following the unplanned and unexpected closure of the Post Office’s Kilcooley branch.
DUP Assemblyman Stephen Dunne said the decision had shocked and greatly affected many in the community and is urging residents to contact the Post Office to make their voices heard.
“People in Kilcooley have been left facing yet more uncertainty about access to essential Post Office services that many depend on every day,” he said.
“For some without access to online services, small businesses and people with mobility challenges, the local Post Office is a necessity. With the ever-increasing rise in online shopping and more parcels including returns, having an accessible post office facility is very important within local communities.”
Mr Dunne said there were very real fears in the community that the ongoing consultation period which the Post Office is running concerning the branch was simply a precursor to closing it down.
“In light of the recent loss of the Post Office in Bangor City Centre, any further permanent closures or reduction of services would be a failure on the part of the Post Office to adequately meet the needs of local residents,” he said.
The DUP man said residents needed clear answers and called for services to be brought back immediately.
He said: “I am calling on Post Office Ltd to reinstate full services at Kilcooley without further delay.
“Residents deserve clear answers and a clear timetable. They need to know exactly what services are being restored, when this will happen, and what practical alternatives exist in the meantime. It is simply not good enough to leave people in limbo while decisions drag on.
“I would encourage local residents to contact comments@postoffice.co.uk to share their views on the need for the full reinstatement of postal services in the area.”
