Island post offices to shut

The Island’s two main post offices are to close early next year with the loss of around 19 jobs.

Post Offices in Regent Street in Douglas and Parliament Street in Ramsey will shut to be replaced by sub post offices which will be opened in Spar shops in the respective main streets.

Staff were informed late on Monday.

The decision – made with the full backing of the Council of Ministers – has been taken against a backdrop of falling profits, declining mail volumes and reduced retail transactions with the two branches incurring losses of half a million pounds over the last year.

Isle of Man Post chairman Graham Cregeen says to allow further losses would have been irresponsible and he’s disputed claims the move will leave the Island without a major post office.