Broken WHS lift denies access to Post Office services

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Broken lift denies access to Post Office services

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news ... _services/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Elderly and disabled residents have criticised the Post Office and WHSmith for failing to fix a broken lift, denying them easy access to vital services for months.

The lift to the new post office, based on the first floor of the stationers in Streatham High Road, has repeatedly broken down since it was installed in the summer.

Critics are furious “a second-rate” lift was installed by WHSmith, and not replaced sooner – despite access for people with mobility problems being flagged up as a major argument against the branch opening.

The branch replaced the popular, and much larger, post office in the High Road which closed last summer despite widespread community disapproval.

Jack Ward, 85, from Woodbourne Close, said what had happened had proved residents fears’ correct and explained how customers had to wait for WHSmith staff to take them through the storeroom to the service lift.

He added: “What is of biggest concern now is health and safety. What if there is a fire and lots of elderly and disabled people, and mums with pushchairs, cannot get out quick enough – at the moment we can only go two at a time.”

He said up to 70 people would cram into the post office in the busy run up to Christmas in December – a month where the lift did not work at all.

Amanda Austin, chair of the Streatham Mums’ Network, said many frustrated parents now visit other branches - meaning they also ended up doing their shopping elsewhere.

Julia Shelly, chief executive of Lambeth Age Concern, said she was “very disappointed” easy access to a vital community resource was being denied to the people who needed it most.

Spokeswomen for Post Office Ltd and WHSmith apologised for the inconvenience caused.

The Post Office spokeswoman said: “We understand that a new lift has been ordered and that in the meantime repairs will be undertaken as required, furthermore WHSmiths have put in place contingency arrangements to allow continued access to Post Office services.”

A spokeswoman for WHSmith said the store was working hard to rectify the faulty lift and that customers have an alternative.

[norbert]

I think a Pensioner's Death was a indirect result of closing a Crown Office in Blackpool , a town like that

RM group made a excellent " Roy " Chubby " Brown school of PR " very defensive statement - I'm sure that was of great comfort to the diseased relatives

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Blackpool family's fury after post office fall http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/black ... 3573657.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - a report about a fall at the Blackpool Office

and a story confirming her death http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/20343 ... ice_stairs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;