MHKs hit out at post office closure plans

Two MHKs in the south of the island have hit out against plans to close the post office in Port St Mary.

Michelle Haywood and Juan Watterson said the decision is "not in the national interest" and could have knock-on consequences for other retailers in the town.

Isle of Man Post Office has announced the counter service, which is run from the newsagents, will close on 29th October after an unsuccessful two-week tender process.

Mr Watterson and Dr Haywood said while that's "disappointing", it's also "unsurprising" as the process was not open long enough.

A statement from Isle of Man Post Office says: "In an increasingly digital world, as customers increasingly choose digital alternatives to counter-based services, the migration of counter service users from Port St Mary will make Port Erin Post Office a stronger and more sustainable office for all customers, commercial partners and the sub postmaster."

The Rushen MHKs have vowed to fight for the Post St Mary service saying the post office board is failing to recognise the importance of community post offices.