Refurbishment of historic old Post Office building begins

REFURBISHMENT work is set to begin on the historic Strabane Delivery Office building.

Scaffolding has been erected around the B2 listed property on Castle Street to facilitate a major programme of repair and restoration works.

Royal Mail confirmed to the Strabane Weekly News that the work is due to be completed next month, with the timeline being weather dependent.

The work is understood to include repairs to rainwater goods, windows, security grilles, external doors, roof slates, masonry and internal finishes, as well as full redecoration where required.

It follows lobbying from West Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, who had called for action after concerns were raised about the poor condition of the building.

As reported in this newspaper last August, Mr McCrossan wrote to Royal Mail management on the issue calling for immediate refurbishment works on the landmark building.

Royal Mail subsequently agreed to conduct a review of the condition of the building with a view to seeing how it could be improved.

Following a site visit and inspection by consultants, it was determined that part of the property was allowing dampness and water ingress to affect the internal fabric.

It was thus recommended that a a comprehensive scope of works be implemented.

Mr McCrossan has welcomed the beginning of the work.

"Good to see work getting underway on the old Post Office," he said. "This is a prominent and well used building in the heart of the town, and it’s encouraging to see investment being made to maintain and improve it.

"Ongoing upkeep of important local buildings like this helps protect our heritage, supports the local economy and keeps our town centres strong."