WHSMITH may be upgrading its lift so that people have better access to Post Office services.

The elderly, people with disabilities and mothers with prams have been caught out several times by the Bexleyheath store’s lift breaking down since services moved from the Broadway into the first floor of the branch in March.

It meant they were left to struggle with about 30 steps to reach the post office counters.

But, having written to Post Office Ltd, David Evennett MP for Crayford and Bexleyheath has been assured the company is looking into a possible upgrade.

In a letter, managing director Alan Cook also apologised for any inconvenience caused by the breakdowns.

He said: “I have been assured that repairs were immediately instigated and the lift was fully operational as soon as possible.

“To ensure any customer reliant on the lift had continued access to Post Office services while repairs were completed, a temporary counter unit was located on the ground floor.

“You may also be interested to know that discussions are currently ongoing with a view to upgrading the customer lifts.”

However, Mr Evennett, who questioned the suitability of the lift when the proposals were first announced, thinks it should have been addressed earlier.

He said: “They should have upgraded the lift before the Post Office moved in to WHSmith, as I suggested on several occasions in correspondence with them.

“Customers have now been inconvenienced as a result of ignoring this advice and I hope they will take urgent action to rectify the matter.”