New-look Downpatrick Post Office has re-opened at its original location after major repairs and refurbishment was required after Storm Babet caused major flooding in October.
Downpatrick Post Office Manager, Gareth Latus, said: “Downpatrick Post Office looks great. It’s modern and brighter than before and in a better, more accessible, location than the temporary shop that the branch had been based in.
“There’s more privacy for Post Office customers, which is really good as the Ulster Bank closes in November and it’s soon coming up to the busiest time of year to send parcels and cards and to do home shopping returns. There are more Post Office counters than the temporary set-up.
“It’s been quite a year, but family and staff have been great helping to set up the temporary solution, then moving back to our original location. People are very positive about our new-look shop and have been very supportive.”
There are four Post Office counters. One is full-screened, two are open-plan and there is a Post Office counter alongside the retail counter.
Most of the Grove Shopping centre, including the Post Office at 65 Market Street, was submerged after several days of torrential rain contributed to the River Quoile bursting its banks in mid-October.
A temporary Post Office operated at an empty shop at Unit 5a Grove Shopping Centre, Downpatrick, BT30 6BB to maintain Post Office services to the community. This was one of the few units that had been spared from flooding as it was on slightly higher ground.
Downpatrick Post Office has been operated by the same Postmaster, Frank Latus for the past 33 years. His son Gareth has worked alongside his Father for many years and is the full-time manager. Gareth worked with Post Office to set up the temporary branch.
The opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 8.30am – 4pm; Sunday: 9am – 1pm.
Timmy Grant, Post Office Area Manager, said: “It’s great news that Downpatrick has re-opened at its original location. The fully-refitted shop is light and airy, well-stocked and looks welcoming. We know how important a Post Office is to a community and we were grateful that there was an empty shop for a temporary location.”
Long-serving Postmaster, Frank Latus, has actually clocked up 42 years’ service at two Post Offices in Northern Ireland – firstly at Tullycarnet in Belfast and then in Downpatrick.
Frank had been a civil engineer, but he decided to take on his own business with his wife Ivy in 1981 with Tullycarnet Post Office. Then on 30 October 1991 Frank, became the first Postmaster for Downpatrick Post Office when the Crown Post Office was franchised.
A few years later he moved Downpatrick Post Office to different premises at Grove Shopping Centre, 65 Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6BB, so that he could add a newsagents’ business alongside their Post Office.
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