A CONTROVERSIAL Post Office move that more than 1,100 people opposed has been completed.

The post office in Cavendish Square has been downsized from its own unit and squeezed into a newsagent down the road.

The move sparked concerns about long queues and accessibility issues from residents which Post Office bosses claim they have addressed.

Earlier this year, Robert Buckland MP presented a petition to them with hundreds of signatures from people who live in the Parks area.

He said: “We will have to check that the arrangements made are working, keep speaking to residents about their experiences and make sure it operates as smoothly as possible.”

Parks and East Walcot Community Forum secretary Martin Wicks rallied residents behind the petition. He said: “We will keep an eye on this to see if the problems that we are expecting materialise.

“We were led to believe that there would be automatic doors at the front but there aren’t any. This is not acceptable and it’s extraordinary that this was opened without that being resolved.

“One of the doors is kept open but someone in a mobility scooter would still need help to get through. And I doubt they will leave a door open in winter.”

The branch in its original location had been operated by a temporary postmaster and the Post Office said that the move was a “permanent solution to safeguard post office services to the community in the longer-term”.

The Whitbourne Avenue branch will be open for 21 hours and 30 minutes longer at its new location, including on Sundays for the first time. But for the first week only, it will be closed on Sunday.

Post Office change manager Antoinette Chitty said: “We are delighted to have safeguarded a Post Office to the Parks area of Swindon.

“The branch is open longer hours than before.

“We have made it easier for customers to get their cash, send and collect their mail and do their banking because we know how important these services are to local residents.

“We are working closely with the new operator on the internal layout to make sure there is clear access into the new premises.

“Aisles and the queuing area will be kept free from obstructions and adequate room will be provided for customers to move around and access Post Office services without difficulty.

“We are confident that this vibrant new-style Post Office at the heart of the local community will meet customer needs.”

The Park South Post Office will be open from 6am to 5.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and 7am to noon on Sundays.