THE post bank holiday crush saw Swindon's new post office face its first hurdle.

Most customers seemed to think the post office, inside WH Smith in Regent Street, coped well, with enough staff to keep the queues flowing smoothly.

But some customers were less than impressed by the sight of long queues so soon after the grand opening.

Steve Johns, 42, from Drove Road, said: "It took about 10 minutes which is better than you'd expect for lunchtime after a bank holiday.

"There's enough staff to satisfy demand - I've got no complaints."

But Mary Parrish, 67, from central Swindon, was not willing to wait.

She said: "I just took one look at the queue and walked straight out. I dread to think what will happen when the queue from WHSmiths and the queue from the post office combine."

Tanya Bishop, 31, from Blunsdon, said: "I was a bit annoyed when I came in and saw a great big queue but actually it moved quickly and I was only in there for about 15 minutes."

Laura Pelland, 23, who works in Swindon, said: "The queue's not that bad - you always expect there to be one.

"I think the move was a good one - I like the layout of this place better than the old one."

The old Sanford Street post office closed on March 12, with the Regent Street branch opening the next day.

A post office spokesman said: "The bank holidays mean that Easter is always a busy time for post office branches and this can mean that unfortunately our customers may have to wait a little longer that usual.

"The new branch at Swindon is working well and the team are working hard to serve customers as quickly as possible.

"Feedback from customers so far has confirmed that the majority are happy with their new branch."

The future of post offices in Swindon has become a political hot potato in recent weeks, with Labour MPs and councillors attacking the council for its handling of the matter.

The Conservatives hit back by questioning MPs Anne Snelgrove and Michael Wills' decision to vote against a Tory motion to delay post office closures while other options are assessed.

Three post offices in Swindon are set to close - Westcott Place, Cheney Manor Road and Lawn.