STAFF and customers have raised concerns over the new counter for Downend’s post office.
The Post Office counter used to be at the back of a McColls newsagent, separate to the retail tills with staff behind security screens in an area they called the ‘fortress’.
Since the store in Downend Road closed and reopened as a Morrisons Daily convenience store in February, Post Office services have been moved to the front of the shop, with a single till on a counter shared with the shop’s retail business.
It means customers sending or collecting parcels, picking up pensions and carrying out other transactions, and those doing shopping, need to form two separate queues in the same area.
A member of staff told the Voice colleagues had raised concerns about security and capacity to deal with all of the customers on two tills.
The staff member, who asked not to be named, said: “Where we were before we had big glass screens so we were protected, whereas now there’s only a flimsy plastic screen, right by the front door.
“When we had two tills up top and two in the ‘fortress’ we still had queues.
“Now people don’t know where to queue because there’s no designated area to stand – we’ve got no space at all.”
The staff member said the Post Office counter also takes Amazon and Evri parcels and returns, as well as Royal Mail items, and there were concerns over space behind the till.
The worker added: “It’s not benefiting customers – I get feedback from people who come in, and a lot of them aren’t happy.”
Downend resident and parish councillor Janet Biggin said: “With only one Post Office terminal, anyone needing to queue may need to ensure they allow plenty of time for their requirements.
“Come busy times, the queues will be around the shop and possibly out through the door.”
People have also complained on social media about a lack of space to move around the shop with pushchairs.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We are continuing to review the recent changes in our Downend Road Morrisons Daily but would like to reassure customers that there is no need to queue outside and we have a secure location where the old Post Office was, to store excess parcels.”