Post Office is 'appalling'

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A DISGRUNTLED pensioner who had difficulties withdrawing her pension says she was 'appalled' at the Post Office service.

Bournville estate resident Barbara Wall makes the journey into Weston every week to collect her £140.

But last week she was turned away from the Regent Street branch of the store due to a computer error - and was directed to another Post Office which was running low on cash.

The 68-year-old said: "On February 4 I went to the big post office and was told the systems were down and they could not give me any money.

"I was sent down to the Boulevard and they gave me my money.

"The week before that I had gone to Regent Street and was told they didn't have enough money - so I was sent to the Boulevard then as well.

"I spoke to another lady who had two weeks to come but could only get one week's worth.

"In the Regent Street branch there is always a queue as well. You can be stood there for 30 minutes to an hour sometimes.

"I understand staff have to have breaks but sometimes the queue is out the door.

"For the main post office serving pensioners in Weston it is appalling."

Ms Wall, who lives in Yeo Close, says she is not the only one to have problems.

She spoke to other pensioners in the queues who claimed they had had the same difficulties in withdrawing money.

She added: "I live out of town but elderly people who are vulnerable might not like coming in and then being sent somewhere else.

"It is inconvenient to get to the Regent Street post office in the first place - you can't park outside and pop in.

"It is a bit naughty of them really."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We apologise to customers for any inconvenience they may have experienced due to computer difficulties at the branch last week.

"We were unable to carry out any transactions - including the collection of pensions and benefits - requiring computer access throughout the day on February 3 and until 11am on February 4.

"Customers were advised to use the nearby branches of Boulevard and Aller Parade while the problem was rectified.