A FIRST class service is being promised at a new, bigger and wheelchair-friendly post office, which opened today in St John's, Worcester.

The premises at 6 King Charles Place, off St John's, is three times the size of the previous site, which was just 200 yards away near to the junction with Bromyard Road.

The Evening News revealed in November 2004 that proposals to relocate the post office were being considered by Royal Mail, partly because the safety of customers had long been a concern as the pavement outside the old premises was so narrow.

Five years ago it became a city council election issue when the Conservative candidate contesting the St John's ward, Stephen Hodgson - who now represents Warndon Parish North - said he wanted to hold a review of post office counters on the west side of the city.

The new site boasts a special counter for wheelchair users and a variety of cards, stationery, picture frames are on sale as well as sweets, crisps and soft drinks.

Sub-postmaster Matthew Bumphrey, who took over in December, officially opened the store this morning and welcomed customers with a champagne reception, complete with canaps, to mark the occasion.

He said he was confident that customers would flock to the new site.

"These new premises are great news for post office customers in St John's.

''It is less than 200 yards from the old premises and offers so much more," he said.

"It has got everything that it had at the old premises plus the extras.

"We will be applying for passport-checking services and a Lottery machine.''

Jo Wells, aged 33, of Oldbury Road, said: ''It's bigger than the other site, so there is more room to move the pushchair around.''

Lionel Graves, of Fern Road, said: ''It should be safer for customers as we're no where near the road.

''We won't get wet when queuing up outside as it is sheltered.''

The post office is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.