SOUTHAMPTON'S new flagship post office opened today amid a tide of controversy.

Hampshire's elderly and disabled groups have launched a scathing attack on the new store, which has been moved from its old location in the High Street to thethe Above Bar branch of WH Smith.

They are angry that the Post Office has moved upstairs making it difficult for them to get to.

Southampton's main post office was forced to close last year in a national scheme by Royal Mail to create 70 "Crown Post Offices".

WH Smith bosses say the move will result in shorter queuing times and better service.

However Hampshire Coalition for Disabled and Age Concern Hampshire have hit out at the store, claiming it ignores the needs of elderly and disabled people.

Amanda Hames, of Hampshire Coalition for Disabled People, said: "The old one was fine - it was easy to get to, you could park nearby and it was on ground level.

"The new one is hidden away right in the middle of the precinct, it's too far to walk to get to and to make matters worse it's upstairs.

"There is a lift but it's right at the back of the store out of the way. I appreciate the Post Office is a business but it still has a social responsibility - it is a lifeline to many disabled people."

Chris Perry, of Age Concern Hampshire, said: "There has been a lot of disquiet among the elderly community about the modernisation of the post offices.

"Older people are probably the biggest users of post offices, but it seems no thought has been paid to them at all. Making the new post office upstairs is really not very user-friendly."

A WH Smith spokesman said the new post office complied with the Disability Discrimination Act.

She said: "There is a lift for elderly and disabled customers, and in the unlikely event that it is out of service we will have a temporary Post Office counter on the ground floor."