Post office closure 'terrible' for older people, say locals
The closure of the post office on Austin Friars Street is “terrible” news for the older members of the community, according to dismayed locals.
The post office closed yesterday evening, Wednesday January 8, after An Post's attempts to attract a new contractor following the resignation of the previous post master proved unsuccessful.
Customers were advised to move their business to the main Mullingar post office on Dominick Street, half a kilometre away.
When the Westmeath Examiner posted news of the closure on our social media platforms this week scores of local people expressed their anger saying that it will hit older people hardest.
Commenting on our Facebook page, Anne said that the news is “terrible”. “A lot of older people ,including myself, park in Buckleys car park and walk over to it. Now we have to go to the far end of the town where there is no where to park.”
Jenny said that it is “shameful to let this happen, especially for older people collecting pensions”.
Regina said that the post office was “very convenient for people” and had “lovely, friendly staff”.
Mary asked: “What about the older people in the town having to go to the GPO and stand there in long queues in weather like we have now? It's a shambles.”
Irene said: “I'm devastated! This post office and its fantastic staff have been so wonderful to so many people. It’s a travesty to see it close. I’m really hoping it can be reversed.”
Claire said that the post office “must be kept open”.
“Our town is getting bigger, more housing with no services. We need more not less. Our hospital/ GP practices are struggling to keep our increasing population cared for. Older adults are living longer and want to be independent for as long as possible. The local post office is a lifeline for so many.”
In a statement issued to the Westmeath Examiner An Post said they didn't “have an alternative” to closing the post office.
“We worked hard to find a workable alternative here but have been unable so to do.
“The decision we made was with regret, and we apologise to any customers who will feel disadvantaged by such a move. We will do everything possible to ease the transition and to ensure that the high standard of service people have come to expect will be maintained.”