SOUTHAMPTON'S new post office came under fire from customers as it opened its doors yesterday - because they have go to upstairs to use its services.

Parents, elderly and disabled people criticised the new flagship store, now located on the first floor of WH Smith in Above Bar, for ignoring its customers' needs.

Southampton's main post office in High Street was forced to close 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 angry customers yesterday said the store was "badly thought out" and "a huge inconvenience".

Pensioner Iris Parr said: "It's very sad that the old post office had to close.

"It was a meeting place for elderly people.

"The new store is worse than ever - it's not good at all."

The 76-year-old, of Solent Way, Thornhill, added: "I can't believe they put the post office upstairs - just think of all those elderly and disabled people, as well as mums with pushchairs, who are going to struggle.

"It is going to be a right job for me every time I go to the post office now."

The new first-floor post office features five standard check-outs and two for the Bureau de Change - but customers visiting it face a flight of 31 steps or a ride in the small customer lift at the back of the store.

Disabled Peter Briggs, who is confined to a wheelchair, said: "I am very surprised they chose to put the store upstairs."

The 59-year-old, of Bond Road, Bitterne Park, added: "When it is busy I can't get around WH Smith in my wheelchair so I hate to think what trying to get to the post office will be like. The store has been badly thought out."

Mum-of-one Hayley Mason added: "It's not very well thought out at all.

"Getting to the post office is going to be a real pain for anyone who has a pushchair with them."

Ian Hayward, area manager for post offices within WH Smith, said the store would make sure it catered for all of its customers.

He said: "The store complies to Disability Discrimination Act and Financial Services Authority regulations and has been designed with the customer in mind.

"It is bright, modern and in a central location.

"The reason the store is upstairs is due to pressure for space."