PLANS to put Worcester's post office on the first floor of WH Smith have been branded "stupid" as the first details are revealed about the proposed move from Foregate Street.

The latest plans for the post office have angered both the Mayor of Worcester Ian Imray and city MP Mike Foster, who said it was stupid and called on residents to stand up and fight it.

Mr Foster said: "If WH Smith can't give ground-floor access, then they shouldn't have the post office. That, for me, is the bottom line.

"The Post Office has made it clear that the decision to merge with WH Smith has been made and we can't do anything about that.

"However, the consultation suggests we can, quite rightly, look at the access and, as far as I'm concerned, this is a battle we must win for the people who have mobility problems, the wheelchair-bound and parents with prams and pushchairs.

"I would urge people in Worcester to rise up and make their voices heard.

"If people don't, we will have a worse service and in the long term many people with disabilities will suffer."

Mr Imray said it was a poorly thought out plan.

He said: "The main post office gets very busy and I don't think WH Smith will be able to cope with that level of business.

"It's definitely a cost-saving exercise made without any thought or consideration for those who can't use stairs or escalators."

David Clark, media officer for the Worcester branch of Age Concern, said: "It's absolutely ludicrous.

"I've been to WH Smith when people have been queing out the door like a snake. The majority of elderly people can't stand around like that. The entire plan is ludicrous and, on behalf of Age Concern, I implore Mike Foster to do something about it."

The decision to move 70 crown post offices, including the Worcester branch, which has been in Foregate Street for 139 years, caused outrage when it was announced in April.

However, both Post Office Ltd and WH Smith say the franchise partnership will bring an improved service to Worcester.

WH Smith area manager Debbie Lansdown said: "We will be providing the full range of post office services, alongside our own extensive product offer.

"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 Worcester."

The relocation is due to take place next May.

Before any of the proposals are finalised there is a six-week consultation period - which began yesterday.

To take part, write to Philippa Wright, National Consultation Manager, Post Office Ltd c/o National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW.

Comments on the plans must be received by Wednesday, June 20.

What the new post office will offer

* First-floor counter area accessed via a customer lift, an ascending escalator or stairs.

* Extended opening hours, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm.

* The same range of post office services as offered at the current Foregate Street branch, including; personal banking, financial services, car tax renewal, Post Office card account, passport application checking and foreign currency services. However, there will be no stamp vending machines.

* Eight serving positions, including six open-plan and two traditional positions for bureau de change and Giro business banking.

* Low-level writing desk and serving counter for wheelchair users, plus an induction hearing loop for those customers with hearing difficulties.