CONCERNS are growing amongst elderly and disabled residents in Uxbridge about the relocation of the Post Office into WH Smith.

A survey by Hillingdon Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) gathered views about how the move will affect the community.

More than 100 people who visited the CAB were asked for their opinions concerning access to the Post Office and the facilities that would be available there.

The views of Age Concern, Hillingdon Carers and the Disablement Association of Hillingdon (DASH) were also gathered and sent to the Post Office national consultation manager.

Chief officer of Age Concern, Chris Commerford, said: "With so many post offices closing down at least this one is staying in the town centre.

"However, my biggest concern is that it will be on the first floor. Using the lift could be off-putting for a lot of old people, especially as a safety issue - if they have just drawn a large amount of money and are in the lift with other people, they could be feeling very vulnerable."

Claire Thomas, chief executive of Hillingdon Carers, said: "With any changes that take place at a very important service like the Post Office, we would like to think that there will be equally enough services.

"Carers and the people they care for wouldn't want anything less than there is currently and I think adequate facilities should be provided and this is a concern for carers."

The survey found that 82 per cent of people were not aware of the relocation. The three local agencies contacted also did not know and had not received a written proposal form to provide feedback.

Residents also highlighted worries over large queues for the lift - of which there is only one - accommodating one wheelchair or pushchair plus one adult or up to four people with shopping at one time.

WH Smith area manager Debbie Lansdown said: "We will be providing the full range of Post Office services, alongside our own extensive product offer, from our store located in the heart of Uxbridge's shopping area.

"Our highly-trained staff are committed to delivering an enhanced service with longer opening hours from a convenient location that is fully accessible to all customers.

"At a time when so many branches face an uncertain future, this is good news for Post Office customers in Uxbridge."