Two businesses interested in running Ely Post Office

Two businesses have expressed an interest in running Ely Post Office, which is currently being operated by a temporary postmaster.
Today a Post Office spokeswoman told Spotted in Ely that the organisation was waiting for the two interested parties to submit formal applications so that it can hopefully move forward with appointing a permanent postmaster.

Last month we reported that the Post Office was advertising for a retailer to take over the running of its Ely branch, after the previous postmaster lost his contract in May, due to “a private contractual matter”.
Applicants were invited to register their interest on the Post Office corporate website by July 13.
According to the advertisement, the successful applicant would 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 would 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.
Until a new retailer could 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, promising 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.