Ahoghill Co.Antrim

History
Post Office Announcement* 21 Oct 1843, 1st Postmark 26 Mar 1844
Post Office Opens Nov 1843,
PO Circular 1 Jul 1883 MOO/SB
PO Circular 30 Oct 1906, Tg Tel Office
1844-58: William Weir
1888: John Hamill?
1909-38: Miss A B Campbell (No2 Main St)
1939-70: Miss A. E. Grant (No.2 Main St)
1971: W.J.Irwin (No.10 Irwins Shop)
1972-1990?: Mrs M. McCarroll (25 Main St. BT42 1JY)
In 1994 there were 2 datestamps, 1 Duties stamp in use.
In Oct 1995, there were 2 datestamp SID type in use.
*POA 21 Oct 1843, No.1131. Major Bowman to guarantee expense of Official Post. £5/yr for mail bags conveyed on Ballymena to P'glenone mail car.

Published Date: 26 April 2006

THE decision has been made, - Ahoghill Post Office is closing today (Wednesday), reopening next week at the Vivo Supermarket on the Galgorm Road, despite widespread opposition.

But the decision has come as no surprise for local Councillor Roy Gillespie, who said he had been informed that there were no alternatives.
In a statement announcing the move, the Post Office recognised the level of opposition to the new venue.

"The formal period of consultation has come to an end during which a number of comments from customers and local representatives were received. The main areas of concern were that the proposed site was located away from the village centre and about safety from vehicles using the filling station."
The statement continued: "Post Office Ltd has carefully considered all concerns raised and has decided that the move to the new location should proceed. To facilitate the move the current branch will therefore close at 1.00pm on Wednesday 26 April with the new branch opening on Tuesday 2 May 2006 following the Bank Holiday."
With an air of resignation, Ald. Gillespie responded to the announcement:
"This has come as no surprise to me or to the people of Ahoghill. All the representations made to me, have been objections. Local people, especially pensioners have very serious concerns about this move.
"It is a very busy forecourt, with a lot of vehicles using it. I had spoken with the Post Office, and it was made clear to me that there was no other alternative. So it's not surprising that they have went ahead with this option."
The Post Office say the new branch will offer an enhanced service to the local community by way of a brand new, modern, purpose built serving counter with low-level writing desk within a convenience store together with improved forecourt car-parking facilities, and level access for those with mobility constraints.
Additionally the opening hours of the branch will be extended to include lunchtime opening. The revised opening hours will be: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm, Wednesday: 8.30am to 1.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am to 12.30pm
During the period of closure customers may avail of services at any Post Office branch, however, the nearest branches to Ahoghill are located at Galgorm and Cullybackey.
"We apologise to our customers in Ahoghill for this short break in service and would like to thank them for their patience while this move takes place" the Post Office statement concluded.

Ahoghill lies nearly four miles from Ballymena, in westerly direction. It is situated in the Parish of Ahoghill, Barony of Lower Toome.
Population in 1901--633.

POST OFFICE--Arrival of Mails 9 a.m.; 12-50, 6-25 p.m.; Despatch of Mails, 7-25, 11-20 a.m.; 3-20 p.m. Postmistress--Miss Campbell

End of Article
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Irish Post Offices & Postmarks

Ahoghill, Ballymena, Co.Antrim.

AHOGHILL POST OFFICE MOVE RUBBER-STAMPED