Job losses and threat to postal services as Supervalu set to close at Northside Shopping Centre

Concerns have been raised for postal services in the Gallaigh area following the announcement that the Post Office and Supervalu store in Northside Shopping centre are set to close.

Staff at the Supervalu were informed on Monday night that the store is due to cease trading at the end of March with the loss of up to 30 jobs.

The Post Office, which is located in the Supervalu store, is also set to close.

Speaking to Derry Now, store manager Declan Corry said the decision to close the business was “unavoidable” due to rising costs and a “competitive” trading environment.

“I've had the store for about 16 and a half years,” Mr Corry explained. “The last number of years has been an extremely challenging trading environment.

“Everything is on the rise in terms of our rates every year, particularly national insurance costs for wages. Last year's employers one was a massive hit for us here.

“It's a very competitive environment to grow your sales and to pay for that it's just become impossible, so unfortunately I've had to take the decision to close the business at this time.

“It's been a very difficult decision, we currently have about 30 staff here, who will be subject to a redundancy process. Some of the staff have been here since it was a Wellworths store, with about 30 years service.

“It's really difficult for those staff to hear that news, it's not only their jobs they have a lot of affection for the business over the years.

“It's been really difficult but totally unavoidable at this stage.”

Mr Corry thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the years. He also thanked the local community for their loyalty.

“I want to thank all of the current staff and previous staff for all of their hard work, dedication and commitment to the business.

“Also I'd like to thank the local community who have supported the business over the years, they have been fantastic to us. I really feel for the customers too because we have a lot of older customers who have been coming here since it was a Wellworths and it's going to be a big change for them,” he said.

Derry Now has contacted Post Office Limited for comment.

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson has raised concerns about the removal of services at Northside.

She said” "Earlier this week we received correspondence that the Supervalu in Northside is to close at the end of March.

“With this comes uncertainty for other services within the centre, including the post office and worry for those whose jobs may be affected.

“We have reached out to seek a meeting with all involved to get an update on the plans for the Northside Centre and to ensure that the people of the Shantallow have continued access to these services.”

SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Brian Tierney said the Post Office at Northside Shopping Centre is a vital resource for the local community.

Cllr Tierney said: “This Post Office is at the heart of the local community. People in Galliagh, Shantallow, Carnhill and the surrounding areas rely on it for everything from sending post to collecting pensions. Many, especially older people, would be forced to travel if this closure goes ahead.

“I am also deeply concerned for the staff at the Post Office, some of whom have been working there for many years. I visited them today to offer my support and thanks for their efforts on behalf of people in this area. I have also spoken with management to express the SDLP’s position on this and will keep working to make clear how important this Post Office is and the harm its closure would cause.

“Efforts are ongoing to keep both the Post Office and Supervalu open and I hope that we can reach a positive outcome in the weeks ahead. Far too often we are seeing important services like this being stripped from local areas and the impact stretches far beyond losing a post office or shop, these places are part of the fabric of this community and that must be acknowledged.”