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10/04/2002
Urban post offices under threat across UK
Consignia is continuing its restructuring policy with new plans that could result in the closure of up to 3,000 urban post offices across the UK.
Under the plans, investment grants of up to £10,000 could be offered to subpostmasters to modernise and improve their Post Office branches as part of the funding package. Subpostmasters who leave the network are also expected to receive the equivalent of more than two years’ remuneration each in compensation. Subpostmasters at Northern Ireland’s 200 urban branches have been contacted by officials with regards to the new plans. The UK Government has committed £270 million to the project.
Commenting on the new scheme, Alan Barrie, Executive Director at Post Office Ltd said: “In many towns and cities there are simply too many Post Office branches for the number of customers. Profitability is reducing to the point where it is increasingly difficult for subpostmasters to run viable businesses let alone invest in the future.
"This Government funding builds on our own careful planning and is supported by Postwatch and the National Federation of Subpostmasters. It will help us restructure to give Post Office branches in urban areas a more secure commercial basis and a long-term future."
Consignia said their rural post offices and branches in deprived inner city areas were not being targeted for closure because they are seen as providers of essential community services. (MB)
Under the plans, investment grants of up to £10,000 could be offered to subpostmasters to modernise and improve their Post Office branches as part of the funding package. Subpostmasters who leave the network are also expected to receive the equivalent of more than two years’ remuneration each in compensation. Subpostmasters at Northern Ireland’s 200 urban branches have been contacted by officials with regards to the new plans. The UK Government has committed £270 million to the project.
Commenting on the new scheme, Alan Barrie, Executive Director at Post Office Ltd said: “In many towns and cities there are simply too many Post Office branches for the number of customers. Profitability is reducing to the point where it is increasingly difficult for subpostmasters to run viable businesses let alone invest in the future.
"This Government funding builds on our own careful planning and is supported by Postwatch and the National Federation of Subpostmasters. It will help us restructure to give Post Office branches in urban areas a more secure commercial basis and a long-term future."
Consignia said their rural post offices and branches in deprived inner city areas were not being targeted for closure because they are seen as providers of essential community services. (MB)
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£20m cash boost for rural post offices announced
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Rural post offices in Northern Ireland are set to receive more than £6.9 million-a-year for the next three years, in the largest ever government support package for this vital community service. The money is part of a £450 million national fund to safeguard the future of thousands of rural post offices, which was unveiled by the government today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
