Customers angered by Witham's diminishing Post Office services have been promised things will improve.

A total of 41 customers have complained after Witham Town Council urged people to let it know what was wrong. This is in addition to the 300 names on a petition signed by people protesting against the closure of the branch in Wulvesford, near the new estate in Maltings Lane.

The latest complaints are about problems at the main office in McColl's in Newland Street.

The objections included:"Terrible disabled facilities, dreadful queues - and the staff disappear at lunchtime!; far too small while the old post office stands empty; queues are sometimes out of the front door; absolutely appalling that growing Witham has so small a Post Office; why not open up the old building; had to wait three quarters of an hour- dreadful situation; McColl's is a nightmare for wheelchair users; totally unacceptable, crowded and intimidating, and only three of the seven windows open."

Many felt re-opening the old Post Office would be a great improvement.

Post Office manager John Holden admitted that the closure of the Rickstones Road and Wulvesford branches had "significantly increased" the number of customers using McColl's.

"There were initial staffing problems, due to the difficulty of recruiting the calibre of staff required. Now, though, the branch is fully manned and new staff are getting up to speed.

"The key issue now is ensuring that staff levels for the seven positions are aligned to meet busy peak periods, like Mondays and month end.We are working very closely with the shop owners, TM Retail, to ensure an acceptable level of service is achieved and maintained."

He advised anyone with concerns to call Steve Cooper, the local Post Office Ltd manager, on 07711004781.

Published Tuesday October 26, 2004

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