Customers unhappy at lack of privacy in revamped Wybers PO

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CUSTOMERS have expressed concerns about a lack of privacy at the newly revamped Wybers Wood Post Office.

The branch, which is located inside the McColl's store in St Nicholas Drive, has reopened as a new "local-style" post office.

The changes have seen the post office become more closely incorporated into the store itself, rather than having its own designated section.

The glass-screened post office counter has been replaced by a new till, which McColl's staff will be trained to use.

The move means that the post office has been able to extend its opening hours, although some services, such as paying in cheques, are no longer available.

But some customers feel there is a lack of privacy when they are queuing for the post office till.

And they believe the public consultation on the changes was not advertised widely enough, with some claiming they were not aware of it until the branch closed for the refurbishment.

Jill Musson, 62, of Timberley Drive, said: "Before when you went to the post office there was a line where people stood behind, and you waited behind the rope until the person in front had been served. That was in a corner of the shop.

"Now the post office till is at the end of the other tills. There's a bit of glass around it but that's there for the member of staff, not for our security and privacy.

"The opening hours are longer but that is immaterial. If the post office wanted longer opening hours it could have put extra staff on in the layout they had before."

Jill said she found out about the proposed changes after being handed a flyer while visiting the post office.

She got in touch with Freshney ward councillor Ray Sutton and the matter was brought to a meeting of Freshney Forward.

Jill added: "I think it was a foregone conclusion. It was all done rather quickly."

Peggy Elliott, chairman of Freshney Forward, said: "A lot of people said they don't think the new layout is private enough.

"I can understand post offices being in shops because they can't afford to stand on their own but we did think it was taking it a step too far just to have an ordinary checkout.

"The consultation really didn't give you much information. Better and clearer consultation could have been done. We need to monitor it and se how it's working because it is a vital service for people."

A Post Office spokesperson said: "Wybers Wood Post Office operates as one of our new local-style branches. This type of branch is proving to be very popular with customers and postmasters alike.

Local branches are able to offer products and services that account for well over 95 per cent of the transactions of any other Post Office.

"In respect of privacy, although the local style format is a different way of providing a service, security or privacy is not compromised.

"As with any other branch, we have robust security procedures in place, and anyone handling Post Office transactions, including new staff, will be fully trained on all operational and service issues, including customer privacy.

"Customer waiting times in new-style branches have been reduced, largely due to the longer opening hours on offer. These more convenient opening hours have been particularly welcomed by customers. Post Office local and main-style branches are bringing much needed investment into our network, creating modern, commercially sustainable branches that offer customers a better customer experience and the convenience of longer opening hours."