Bath Post Office: Your Concerns

6 November 2019

Wera recently toured the post office inside WH Smith to discuss concerns you've raised about access and seating.

It's difficult when a vital public service changes. Wera understands all the issues people visiting the new Post Office have faced. She's met staff to discuss those concerns. Sadly, the old post office was not economically viable long-term. The new location ensures we keep a Post Office in the heart of our city.

On access, there are automatic double doors on the ground floor making access to WH Smith as easy as possible.

There are multiple signs directing people to the escalators or the lift at the back of the store. Aisles are extra wide for those with mobility aides.

The lift has been refurbished with large buttons, a voice to say which floor you're on, a mirror for those backing out of the lift and new doors. Upstairs there are six counters and five assisted, self-service kiosks. At busy times, there are an average of six staff to assist customers.

On seating, WH Smith have ordered more chairs to be placed strategically around the queueing area to assist customers who have difficulty standing. These should be arriving soon.

Another complaint has been on the lack of a ticketing system. Post Office staff say the old ticketing system actually slowed down service, as people often took a ticket and then left the queue thinking they could come back, only to find their number had long been called. If you add up all the minutes wasted in that system, it added to delays. Wera completely understands how convenient this was, taking a number and plopping down on the red sofas to wait.

By responding to residents' concerns, adding more seating and making other adjustments, both the Post Office and WH Smith are doing their best to keep a fully fledged service open right in the heart of Bath.

Wera also discovered the Post Office is open Sundays! 11a.m. to 3p.m.!
Monday to Saturday 8.30a.m. to 6p.m. - that will come in handy over Christmas!