ACCESSIBILITY for elderly customers and those with disabilities has been flagged as a major flaw in the Post Office relocation plans.

The Post Office is planning to move its Bridge Street site to the back of WHSmith’s store in High Street, and is open to feedback during its consultation period until February 20.

While the document lays out that access to the store is level and automatic doors would be installed at the entrance, disability charity Enham Trust believes it does not go far enough.

A spokesperson said: “Having read the consultation paper, we are concerned that accessibility for disabled and elderly people has not been accurately considered in the proposed move to a location with a more congested shop layout.

“The current location at Bridge Street provides an accessible ramp with easy entrance into the building and with enough room to navigate freely for wheelchair users. There are also disabled parking bays directly outside, providing ease and convenience.

“We acknowledge that there are proposed accessibility changes in the paper but we are worried that the increased space requirements would be at odds with the commercial nature of the proposed location.”

Enham Trust client and wheelchair user Jonathan said he was concerned about how the move to WHSmith will affect him as a customer.

He added: “Sometimes the automatic doors aren’t working (at the moment they are boarded up) meaning wheelchair users can’t even access the building and once inside, the gangways aren’t wide enough for my particular wheelchair.

“I regularly use the Post Office and myself and many others will be greatly affected if this move goes ahead.”

Chris Dixon, chief executive of disability charity Andover Mencap, also emphasised the relocation plan should consider the needs of people with disabilities in the town. 

He said: "This proposal to move into WHSmith needs to ensure that there is safe and appropriate  access for those with mobility issues, that signage is clear and simple for those with sight and comprehension needs and that the service remains to the standard it currently is."

Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North saw some good news in that the branch will not be located on the first floor of WHSmith, but said further assurances were needed.

He said: “It is clear that they need to provide greater reassurance to residents that it will be fully accessible for anyone with disabilities. I urge them to do this at the Customer Forum meeting that they have committed to hold.

“Although it is deeply disappointing that two services now won’t be provided in the relocated branch, I am pleased the Post Office have kept their promise on longer opening hours and have committed to opening on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.”

Andover Liberal Democrats chair Luigi Gregori also expressed his doubts saying he was “less confident” the relocation to WHSmith would work in the town compared to other areas due to the busy nature of the Bridge Street Post Office and smaller store move.

He added: “I would encourage people to look at the proposals and provide feedback.”

Residents are also being encouraged to attend the Post Office’s customer forum to give their views, but the details of this are yet to be announced.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “It is natural that people will have concerns about the proposed changes to our Andover Post Office branch. That’s why we are seeking views from you, the local Andover community, to better understand areas such as accessibility, both inside and outside the branch, or wider local issues which should be taken into account.”

“All of the feedback we collect will be carefully considered and will absolutely shape our final decision when it comes to the plans to move the branch.

“As part of the six week long consultation process, we’ll be holding a customer forum, the details of which will be announced shortly. We’d really welcome the opportunity to explain why changes need to be made; to highlight the stringent standards we have in place to ensure good access for all customers in our new branches; and to listen to your comments too.

To view the plan go to postofficeviews.co.uk and search ‘Andover’. To give feedback email comments@postoffice.co.uk, post by FREEPOST Your Comments, or call 03452 66 01 15.