Mixed reactions as scaled-down post office opens in WHSmith
DESPITE vociferous support, Bristol’s main post office has closed down and its successor is up and running in WHSmith.
The scaled-down service, located on the bottom floor in The Galleries, opened on March 14.
Key issues raised by objectors after the change was announced were accessibility, the effects on staffing and customer service, the range of products and services and the impact on the community.
But the Post Office did its best to allay fears by assuring people “the new branch will continue to meet customer needs and deliver an excellent service, while securing the long-term viability of Post Office services in Bristol”.
The spokesperson added: “The Post Office is committed to keeping our services at the heart of communities.”
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It’s just nice to have a post office still open
There are eight serving positions and seven self-service machines at the new branch, with services available from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 3pm on Sundays.
Services have remained largely unchanged, although there is no longer a cash machine and customers cannot renew their driving licences.
Not everyone is happy with the new store, with people on Tuesday complaining of lengthy queues and a lack of space.
Lincoln Hunt, from Henleaze, said: “It was definitely easier to use and more functional when it was upstairs, and there was a lot more room to understand what was happening.
“It was especially easier to do things like write on envelopes as there was more space to do so.”
These views were shared by Mary Conway, from Whitchurch, who has to travel to the city centre to use the post office’s facilities as there isn’t one in her area.
She said: “We don’t think the new branch is very good.
“We found that staff were serving us while trying to help colleagues use the new systems, so we weren’t getting their full attention.
“There was a big queue, but didn’t seem to be much urgency.
“It’s a shame they closed the one upstairs as there was such a good service and they were always happy to help, but it seemed different down here.”
Alan, from Horfield, is not happy the notice on the former branch does not include any information about whether the postbox outside it is still active.
He said it “shows a lack of common sense on behalf of the Post Office” and is confusing.
However, some people were impressed with the new store and said we should be grateful it was still running.
Tina Snook, from Glastonbury, who visits Bristol frequently, said: “I think it’s more accessible now because it’s on the ground floor.
“It’s just nice to have a post office still open as everything seems to be closing at the moment, plus it’s still nice and central.”
Mark, from Bristol, said he had to wait “ages” on Wednesday in a queue for the counter, which had only one person serving.
A Post Office spokesperson said: “We welcome feedback from every branch.
“All feedback received is monitored to ensure a high level of service across our network.”
Tina Snook