Post Office 'closure' hits pensioners hard

Since June 16 Greysteel Post Office, located inside a fuel garage on the Clooney Road, has been unexpectedly out of operation. Annoyed locals who regularly use the facility for paying bills, changing cash and withdrawing benefits including pensions, fear the service closure may be permanent. An elderly resident, who contacted the Sentinel with her concerns, says she has had to pay for transport two or three times a week to Eglinton because of the closure.

"We are not being told anything. I'm not sure even if the Post office will even open again. On Monday I went down to the shop again in the hope it would open, there was a big queue waiting but nine o'clock came and went and it never opened."

"Us elderly people rely on the post office to pay our bills and get our money, but now it is costing us money to do that. Last week I paid 7 for a return trip to and from Eglinton's post office. I know people living in the more rural parts are paying up to 10. It may not sound like much but this is becoming a regularity."

The local woman continued: "We would just like our post office back or at least know when it 's coming back. Every time we call into the shop we are being told that there is no news. It's just not good enough."

SDLP Mayor of Limavady Michael Carten says he is looking into the matter adding that the people of Greysteel "need their post office."

"I am very disturbed how the people of Greysteel are being treated, they need their post office. I have had a lot of phone calls from people in the local area very concerned and frustrated with the closure. I would like to see something done about this as quickly as possible."

Limavady DUP Councillor Alan Robinson says although he is unaware of the circumstances surrounding the Post Office closure, he has sent a letter requesting information from Royal Mail.

"I am totally unaware of the circumstances regarding the closure of Greysteel Post Office therefore I have sent a letter to Barbara Roulston, head of external relations at Royal Mail asking what is the background and when will the facility open again."

Royal Mail confirmed the closure , saying it was for "contractual reasons". Whilst referring to the move as "temporary", they were unable to give re-opening date for the service.

A spokesperson said: "Post Office Ltd would like to apologise to customers for the temporary closure of Greysteel Post Office branch. Regrettably, for contractual reasons, the branch did not open on 16 June 2010."

"Post Office Ltd very much regrets this inconvenience to the local community and would like to be in a position to re-open the branch as soon as possible. In the meantime, while customers may transact their business at any branch the nearest branches are located at Eglinton, Campsie or Ballykelly ".

Have you been affected by the Post Office closure? Contact the Roe Valley Sentinel on 028 777 64090.