Members of Cheltenham Disability Forum have hit out at the decision to move the post office in the town centre.There was outrage when news broke last year that the service was to be moved from the lower High Street to the upstairs of WHSmith.
The post office will still offer the same services but the public will need to get to the first floor.
Members of the disability forum believe the move, which could take place in April, would be a problem.
Chairman Hilary James said it was crucial to address the issue.
She added: "This will cause a problem, not only for our members, but for older people as well.
"Bosses at WH Smith have said they will comply with disability legislation, but surely it would be easier if they just didn't move the service, full stop.
"Even if we complain they will go ahead. We are just fighting so the needs of local disabled people are addressed."
Wendy Stoner from the forum said the relocation would cause difficulty for its 100 members.
She said: "A lot of the members have walking difficulties, and could not cope with escalators.
"In WHSmith people will be forced to travel to the back of the store and use the lift to the first floor.
"This is a lot of effort for someone who is disabled, or even for mothers with pushchairs.
"Where the post office is now is easily accessible for people in wheelchairs or others with walking sticks. Why do they need to move it?"
Nationwide, 76 branches are set to move to WH Smith.
Lyn Simpson, the county's representative for the Communication Workers Union said in other areas where services have been moved upstairs, vulnerable people have had problems, such as queuing down escalators and difficulties with stairs.
A spokesperson for WH Smith said they are working with the forum and other community groups to address their concerns.
She said that the lift in the store will be fitted with a handrail to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Members of the forum are now calling for others opposed to the relocation to go to a meeting with WH Smith bosses on February 15.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, which starts at 2pm at the store.
Source: thisisgloucestershire.co.uk
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1 comment:
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