Campaigners have been given extra time to try to save the main post offices in Ramsey and Douglas.
The Isle of Man Post Office announced its concession this morning.
It followed a request from the {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/minister-reveals-potential-for-u-turn-on-ramsey-post-office-1-7090608|Ramsey Postal Co-operative} to extend the deadline from March 2 to March 31 for the submission of alternative proposals from affected staff and local authorities for the conversion of the directly staffed offices.
The Post Office board considered and agreed the request yesterday.
March 31 is the final date any alternative submission will be accepted and no further extension of timescales can be agreed, the Post Office says.
The post offices were given extra breathing space {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/post-office-closures-put-on-hold-after-emergency-keys-debate-1-6983613|in December} after an emergency House of Keys debate.
In a statement, the Post Office said: ‘In making this decision the Post Office regrets that this will extend the period of uncertainty for directly affected employees and sincerely hopes that the prolonged consultation period does not impact on services provided.
‘The Post Office would also like to thank Mannin Retail for its continued support and co-operation throughout the original and extended consultation period.’
The plan had been to move both post offices’ functions into nearby Spar shops run by Mannin Retail.
Douglas’s Crown post office is on Regent Street.
Ramsey’s is in the former Courthouse.
There have been a number of meetings and a protest in support of keeping the Ramsey facility.
The Post Office statement adds: ‘The Post Office is committed to continuing postal services in both Douglas and Ramsey town centres, and looks forward to receiving any alternative proposals for achieving the necessary savings from these interested parties.
‘The board will assess the viability of any proposals under the interested parties’ consultation process after the closing date.’
Related stories:
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/minister-reveals-potential-for-u-turn-on-ramsey-post-office-1-7090608|Potential U-turn on Ramsey post office}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/meeting-asks-politicians-to-give-post-offices-a-further-month-s-stay-of-execution-1-7081419|Campaigners ask for a stay of execution for post office}