Technical issues force delay to new Pulteney post office service

The long-established Pulteneytown Post Office in Smith Terrace closed its doors for the last time on Thursday. A new service was due to open for business at the same time in the Pulteneytown People’s Project premises in Huddart Street, with the intention of making it a seamless transition.

However, in a statement on Thursday afternoon, the Pulteney Centre announced that the new post office facilities would be not be available until Monday.

It said: “Unfortunately due to technical issues on the Post Office side we will not be operating until Monday 2nd July at the earliest. The trainer and engineer have been working on this issue all day and can’t get this server issue rectified. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you but hope to see you all soon.”

The delay emerged after this week’s John O’Groat Journal had gone to press.

Kathleen Smith and husband Ian, the official postmaster, say they are grateful to their customers and staff for their loyal support over the years since they took over in 1986 from postmistress Evelyn Glass and her husband Peter.

Mrs Smith said much had changed over the years. From when they started until around 2000, everything was done manually before computers came into force.

She says she is happy with the relocation of post office services to the Pulteney Centre as “it’s a lovely building and an asset for Pulteneytown”.

Mrs Smith added: “It’s the end of an era for me and my husband. We’re delighted there will still be a post office in the area. It’s important the people of Pulteneytown have a post office.”