The Portavogie Post Office at 44 New Harbour Road will close at 5:30pm on March 25 due to the postmaster's resignation. This decision ends the linked Groomsport Post Office counter in the Spar shop on the same date.

North Down MLA Alan Chambers operates the Spar shop and learned of the Groomsport closure indirectly. He plans to contact Post Office management to maintain the service. Chambers noted the counter's history without operational issues and its establishment after a prior standalone branch closed.

The Groomsport counter formed through a partnership model under Portavogie, one of two such arrangements in Northern Ireland. Chambers' family funded its setup, recruited staff, and maintained employment levels despite reduced Post Office services.

UUP councillor Pete Wray called the Portavogie branch essential for isolated residents, providing face-to-face contact and banking after the 2020 Kircubbin bank closure. He highlighted access issues for non-drivers and boat workers. Wray and Mike Nesbitt MLA requested a meeting with Post Office officials to find a new operator.

Post Office stated on March 5 that no sustainable options emerged after efforts to continue services. Alternatives include branches in Cloughey, Kircubbin, and Portaferry.