LONG queues have been seen snaking out of Worcester's main Post Office onto the shop floor even at off-peak times as managers blame staffing shortages.
The queues at the Post Office on the first floor of WHSmith in the High Street have become a growing problem for frustrated city customers says Conservative Cllr Alan Amos.
The city councillor, who also raised the issue at a meeting of Worcester City Council on Tuesday, said he waited over 20 minutes on a recent visit.
He argues that the 'people of Worcester deserve better' although the Post Office has apologised, blaming recent staff shortages for the long waits faced by customers.
Bosses have also assured customers that they are actively recruiting to fill vacancies and reduce those delays at the counter.
Cllr Amos, a former mayor of Worcester and Conservative for Bedwardine, said: "Over the years the Post Office in Worcester has deteriorated. Every time I go in there, there's a huge queue. I'm talking massive."
When he went in last Wednesday at 3pm, a time he thought would be 'off peak', the queue 'snaked around towards the books' on the shop floor of WHSmith.
"That is a long queue by any standards. I have nothing against the staff who are very polite."
However, he said two of the self-service machines appeared to be out of order while a customer was struggling to operate the third, meaning that a Post Office worker had to leave the counter to assist.
He added: "It just goes from bad to worse. All I wanted to do was post a package. The post had already been paid. I just needed a receipt.
"I won't go near this Post Office at busy times like Christmas. I buy a book of stamps and hope for the best.
"I'm not blaming the staff at all. They're doing their best."
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Cllr Lynn Denham, joint leader of Worcester City Council, speaking in her capacity as chair of the Worcester Dementia Action Alliance, said she tried to make the city's Post Office a more pleasant experience for the people of Worcester.
She said: "I'm pleased that we were able to work with WHSmith to make the Post Office more accessible. Lobbying and working with the store manager, there's now a really good sign right by the escalator.
"It was quite a long-standing campaign, the problem being it is upstairs and the escalators are a problem for many, not just those living with dementia. The signage for the lift at the back of the store was inadequate."
A Post Office spokesperson said: “WHSmith operates Worcester Post Office on our behalf. It is committed to delivering high standards of customer service across every Post Office it operates, however unfortunately the Worcester branch has recently faced staff shortages and we apologise for the inconvenience this has caused customers.
"The branch has recently completed additional recruitment which will support customer service at Worcester Post Office. Both WHSmith and Post Office are keeping this under ongoing review.”
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