AN 84-year-old arthritic widow has sent a furious letter to Post Office chief executive David Mills over his comments about queues.

He was quoted in the national media as saying: “It is a social experience for most people. They actually want to meet the people in the queue.’’

Furious Winifred Rawlings, 84, of Monkton Road, Welling, has written to him: “I wonder how your mother would feel if she were arthritic and nearly 85 years old and was told she enjoyed standing in a queue for over 30 minutes?’’

Another customer, Betty Bailey, 76, of Martens Avenue, Bexleyheath, said: “Those comments are ridiculous. People do not queue to socialise. As a nation we are polite and only do it because it is fairer.’’

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin said: “Mr Mills is living in cloud cuckoo land and has probably never had to join a queue in his life.

“Queues are annoying and frustrating places to be in, even in good company.’’

Bexleyheath and Crayford MP Nigel Beard said: “The logic of that is close all the post offices down and have one long queue and have everybody entertained. We can do without remarks like that.’’

Post Office Ltd says Mr Mills’ comments were taken out of context and a spokesman attempted to explain what was meant.

He said: “Long queues are unacceptable and the vast majority of our customers are served within minutes.

“It is absolute nonsense to suggest that the Post Office is in any way complacent about queuing. We know that queuing is an important issue for many of our customers. Many people simply want to transact their business at the Post Office as quickly a possible -- and we’re committed to helping them do just that.

“Conversations with our customers show that many people look forward to their regular weekly visit to a branch. We are not saying that this is the view of everyone but every month we conduct interviews with customers, face to face, via phone or through focus groups and this is certainly what many of our customers have told us.’’