MORE post office branches in the North are set to close their shutters as major concerns continue to grow over the future of the service in the few remaining premises in Fermanagh.
Residents in Newtownbutler have been left incensed after a post office on the Clones Road is struggling to function, due to a shortage of employees and demand on its services.
The county’s in grip of a serious postal issue, with residents fuming after it was reported some parts of Fermanagh are only receiving letters two days a week, as the parcel numbers increase.
It was recently confirmed that branches in Belfast City, Derry and Newtownards would close down in the next few weeks, with the Post Office set to offload over 100 post offices across the UK.
The Post Office has been at the centre of a major public enquiry into the Horizon scandal which saw between 700 and 900 subpostmasters wrongfully prosecuted for financial crimes.
From the end of this month, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky will take control of The Post Office.
Fermanagh residents, including long-term post office campaigner Gerry Kearns, have been left frustrated over the ailing service that is being provided to local residents in the county.
“I go there to get my pension, and every time I go, it’s closed,” Mr Kearns previously told the ‘Herald.
“It’s devastating. People are so frustrated about the whole thing. Some have had to go to Lisnaskea to collect their pension, because nobody knows when or if the post office will reopen.”
Significant concerns have also been raised of Royal Mail. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Jemma Dolan, voiced her irritation at the way the service is being rolled out in the county.
“Many depend on the timely delivery of essential items, medical appointments and social welfare correspondence. For elderly and those living in isolated areas, post is a critical lifeline,” she said.
“Rural communities like Fermanagh face challenges due to limited infrastructure and services.”
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council also agreed to write to Royal Mail over their concerns.
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