Very poor access to a key service
1
1
Date of visit: January 2015
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Bad
Given the fact that everyone will need to visit the Post Office at some point, the lack of accessibility of the main Letchworth branch is shameful. Getting in through the door with a wheelchair is very difficult, and once inside the aisles are narrow and often have additional obstacles to manoeuvre around. The PO counter is right at the back of the store, the counters are high and the staff are effectively 'locked away' behind the screens.
Disabled Access In and Around
Bad
Struggle to find anything positive to say. The doorway us narrow, doors are awkward to open (not automated) and there is an attempt at a ramp but it ends in a 'ridge' which means that a wheelchair user still needs assistance. PO staff cannot see the customers at the door, newsagent staff also have limited visibility. Once inside the store, the newsagents is at the front with narrow aisles and often obstacles. Have to go right to back to get to PO (often thru queues of customers , which block shop even more). High counters mean it's difficult to pass post/make payment to staff. Cramped.
Parking & Transport
Average
There is limited parking on the road outside the Post Office but thus us not usually free (busy spot on a busy road). There is a car park to the rear of the Post Office, bit not all tarmaced, and can be a little dangerous getting from car park to PO due lack of path/parked cars (alternative being to take the long way round to stick to paths)
Accessible Toilets
0No toilet on premises.
Staff
Bad
Post office staff are behind 'glass' windows of the PO counter at far end of store so very much separated off from the customers. No front of counter helper available from PO (newsagent staff may be able to assist more?). General feeling of lack of awareness of customers and lack of desire to help overcome the serious access problems.
