Plans by the Isle of Man Post Office to close its flagship outlets in Douglas and Ramsey early in the new year have been put on hold for three months.
An emergency debate in the House of Keys this morning (2 Dec) saw MHKs discuss the controversial move for more than two hours.
It began with the handing over of an 1800 signature petition opposing the closure of Regent Street office in Douglas, to Chief Minister Allan Bell.
South Douglas member Kate Beecroft tabled a motion to postpone the change for three months while all options to keep the current offices open, were reviewed.
But it was amended by Post Office Chairman Graham Cregeen, to allow for a more limited review involving staff and local authorities.
The amended motion won wide support, carrying by 19 votes to five.
During the debate Onchan member Zac Hall raised concerns about the plan to transfer post office business to retail Spar stores:
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