Race is on to save 'vital' Post Office in Derry after date announced for closure later this month

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MOVES are underway to save a local Post Office after it emerged that it is set to close at the end of next month unless a new owner car be found.

The Derry News revealed last month that there were concerns over the future of the Post Office in the Park Avenue in Rosemount after it emerged that the current postmaster was set to give up the position at the end of this month.

The building, which houses the Post Office and a flat, has been put up for sale.

At the time, the Post Office said that while it was aware the owner had expressed an interest in leaving and had put the business on the market, it was ‘committed to maintaining a Post Office service in the area’, adding that it would work hard to ensure this.

However, the Derry News has learned that the search is now on for a new postmaster to take over the branch before a closing date which has been set for November 27.

Earlier this month, the Derry News revealed plans for the Post Office in the Diamond which would see the branch closed down and the building incorporated into an adjacent public bar.

In statement issued to the Derry News earlier this week, the Post Office confirmed that the Rosemount branch would remain open for another month while efforts continued to find a new postmaster to take over.


“The postmaster has agreed to remain open until November 27 while we continue to look for a solution,” the spokesperson said.

“We will also continue to talk to interested parties while the branch remains open.”

The Derry News understands that a number of interested parties have come forward with a view to taking over the branch.

You cannot buy or sell a Post Office and the Post Office Limited determines who can operate them through a detailed appointment process.

Speaking to the Derry News yesterday, the independent councillor for the area, Darren O’Reilly, said he was ‘hopeful’ that a new owner would be announced for the branch ahead of the November 27 deadline.

“This is an absolutely vital community service that we cannot afford to lose,” he told the Derry News.

“I am aware that parties have now come forward with a view to taking over the branch, and I would hope that we can get something in place ahead of November 27.

“This is a service that should be expanded and developed, not closed.”