DISABILITY access, parking, shop size and sustainability of the high street were among the concerns raised with Post Office and WHSmith representatives at a public forum on Tuesday.

The Post Office has received hundreds of responses to its proposed relocation plan for its Bridge Street branch to move to WHSmith, in High Street, and met face-to-face with customers at the Guildhall for more feedback.

While the move to WHSmith will go ahead, bosses say they hope to tailor the move, shop layout and facilities taking into account the suggestions received from the public.

Dave and Angela Morris, who attended the afternoon event, said they were previously worried about the size of the shop but that information and shop design shown to them at the forum reassured them of the move.

Angela said: “It was very useful. I do use the Post Office fairly often. It’s good to know the Post Office is going to continue rather than shut and the fact that it’s going to be in the town centre means hopefully it will make the town more vibrant.”

Speaking to residents, one of the Post Office representatives said that Disability Discrimination Act groups have been contacted and will be invited to see the shop layout before the opening, proposed in May.

Leader of the borough council Councillor Phil North is among those to share concerns for disabled access and said the Post Office needs to come up with solutions for parking and lift access to the first floor.

Cllr North said: “At the moment you can park just outside easily and go in, that is difficult outside WHSmith and the Post Office needs to come up with a solution to that.

“WHSmith will be moving stock upstairs but disabled customers don’t have access at the moment as there’s no lift.”

Access to the Post Office through the WHSmith store was also a remaining question, but Cllr North said he was “assured” having been told aisles are being left free with enough space for customers using motor scooters to access the services.

Post Office representatives said so far they were pleased with the engagement and questions being directed to them over the move, with feedback still being received until February 20.

To view the plan go to postofficeviews.co.uk and search for ‘Andover’.