Fears Gilford could be left without a Post Office after the recent closure in the village may soon be allayed.
It could shortly reopen at the EuroSpar in the village instead.
The multi-million-pound retail venue – which opened last year – is seeking amendments to conditions laid down prior to approval being granted.
These changes would pave the way for a Post Office facility at the Banbridge Road premises.
It follows the closure of the Centra store in the village at the start of May.
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Owned by the Maginn family, Centra joined the growing list of businesses that have closed their doors in recent years.
The shop, situated at 40–44 Mill Street, had been under the Maginn family’s management for 38 years, since they bought the store from its previous owners.
In addition to the loss of the shop itself, the closure also resulted in the loss of the local Post Office – a facility vital to the community it serves.
However, there is light on the horizon, with plans to relocate the Post Office to EuroSpar – a move supported by the Maginn family.
An application has been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the discharge of a condition relating to the Post Office.
A condition had been imposed that stated: “The proposal herein shall not include the provision of a Post Office without the prior approval of the Council.”
Now, a letter accompanying the application advises: “The Post Office in Gilford, currently located in the Centra, is closing and the current licensee has nominated that the Henderson Group take over the provision of Post Office services.
“It is proposed that these services would be located within EuroSpar Gilford.
“Currently, provision of a Post Office at the site is precluded by Condition 10. However, it is in the public interest that Gilford is not left without a Post Office and the range of important services that a Post Office provides.
“As such, the Section 54 application for removal of Condition 10 is commended to the Council for approval.”
Another condition relates to opening hours, which are currently restricted to between 7am and 11pm, Monday to Sunday.
Again, the Henderson Group is seeking to discharge the condition to allow daily opening from 6am until 11pm.
Both applications will be advertised shortly.
