Greenisland to get new local style post office

The new ‘local’ service is to be launched on January 17 in The Candy Shop Glassillan Court, where post office opening hours will increase by an extra 41.5 per week.

The present outlet at 8 Glassillan Court will close at 5.30pm on January 16 2015 for the refurbishment to take place.

Suzanne Richardson, regional manager said: “We are confident that this vibrant new-style post office at the heart of the community will be popular. The modernisation is part of a major Government investment programme that is enabling us to continue investing in the Post Office network and to map out a bold growth strategy through to the end of the decade.”

Welcoming the project, East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said that consultation had been carried out by the Post Office for the change and has received “no adverse feedback”.

Mr Wilson added: “Some transactions will be automated and this should make the service easier for customers and operators and help to alleviate queuing. Those transactions that are more complex and time consuming will still be carried out by the counter staff, although some of the products and services currently being offered by the post office will be transferred to the Carrickfergus Post Office.

“The majority of the products and services will remain available at the Greenisland Post Office, where there will be two serving points and longer opening hours, including Saturday afternoon and Sunday opening as well as longer hours throughout the week.”

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson and fellow MLAs Alastair Ross and David Hilditch have made a timely visit to Royal Mail’s Carrickfergus sorting office.

Tony Curran, manager of the Keeburn premises, commented: “We’d like to remind our customers to post early so that friends and family have longer to enjoy their Christmas greetings.”

The last recommended posting dates are: 2nd class, December 18; 1st class, December 20 and special delivery, December 23.