WICKLOW POST OFFICE TO MOVE

THE Post Office in Wicklow town is on the move from its current location on The Mall to a new unit beside SuperValu.

While Post Mistress Jackie Roche has welcomed the move, which is due to happen in May, others have raised concerns over the impact the relocation could have on that part of the town once the property is vacant.

Staffing levels will remain the same at the new purpose-fitted facility which will have its own entrance and boast a modern office layout with three counter positions.

Ms Roche said the new location will offer a number of benefits to customers and that staff are looking forward to the move. ‘We are just moving from one location to the other.

‘ The new premises might be slightly smaller but we are in a very big building at the moment and we don’t use all of the office. The back is really freezing.

‘ The new location also offers improved parking with three car parks in the area at SuperValu, AIB and Church Street. Our new counters will be wheelchair-accessible and were designed in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association. We will be in a newer premises with upgraded furniture. We will have the same amount of staff and the same opening hours and services.’

The Post Mistress acknowledges that there has been a ‘mixed’ reaction to the move among customers.

‘Some people are fine with the move and then there are others who aren’t so keen. People don’t like change but I’m sure they will soon get used to the new premises and the move will become old news.’

The current building on The Mall will either be sold or a new use will be found for it.

However, Cllr John Snell fears the property could end up sitting vacant for a prolonged period of time.

‘I just don’t see the justification for the move and it could have a detrimental effect on that end of the town,’ he said.

‘You have Wicklow Municipal District moving back into the Town Hall and the library moving to Ulster Bank so a bit of life was coming back to that part of town. The loss of the post office could leave a huge void. There remains a lot of uncertainty over what will happen to that building,’ said Cllr Snell.