New postmaster sought for Ely **exclusive**

The Post Office is advertising for a retailer to take over the running of its Ely branch, after the previous postmaster lost his contract, Spotted in Ely can reveal.

Interested parties have until July 13 to register their interest on the Post Office corporate website.
According to the advertisement, the successful applicant will be in charge of a “dedicated post office area, a full range of services. The exact layout and design will be agreed with you to suit your business.”
The post office will remain at or near Central Hall, Market Street, Ely.
The estimated fees in the current location range between £99,300 to £110,800 per year, the advert says.
In May a temporary postmaster was appointed to operate Ely post office due to “a private contractual matter involving the previous postmaster,” a Post Office spokesperson said.
Until a new retailer can be found to take it over, the Ely branch’s opening hours have been reduced. It is now open from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5.30pm.
The Market Street post office opened its doors in December 2014, offering extended hours and additional services.
Before that had been situated in a portable building in Paradise car park for over a year, until it could be found a permanent home.
Businesses interested in running the Ely post office can register their interest at http://corporate.postoffice.co.uk/business-opportunities