ALTRINCHAM'S new post office is a no go' area for many disabled people, according to a group that provides mobility equipment.

Trafford Shopmobility claims the post office, which has just opened on the first floor of the WH Smith store on George Street, is out of bounds for people using mobility scooters.

The charity is backed by Altrincham ward councillor Michael Young, who said he is "appalled by the Post Office's disregard for the less mobile members of our community."

The service moved to the WH Smith store after the town's historic post office closed last week - despite opposition from MP Graham Brady, councillors, unions and customers.

There is a lift to reach the first floor post office, but Trafford Shopmobility reckons it isn't suitable for scooters.

The issue came to light when a Shopmobility customer using a scooter was unable to get to the post office, as the lift was too small for her to manoeuvre in it.

Shopmobility board member David Griffiths confirmed the situation when he checked out the access using his scooter.

David, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said the access problem was caused by the restricted size of the lift combined with the fact that the entrance is at right angles to the exit.

"When you want to come out you have to turn left and it is nigh on impossible to do so. There are only inches to spare. I could not manage it no matter what I did, and I am experienced.

"Wheelchair users could probably do it, but not if they had a stiff leg, and it would be difficult for someone who was being pushed in a wheelchair."

Shopmobility chairman Graham McIsaac said: "I think it is a diabolical situation - it is a no-go area for people with mobility problems. Why couldn't they have found a ground floor premises?"

He had concerns about the access at the previous post office on Stamford New Road, and had campaigned unsuccessfully for a platform lift to be installed. But he added: "This is a lot worse."

Cllr Young said: "I am appalled by the Post Office's disregard for the needs of less mobile members of our community. This is a direct result of their refusal to conduct a full public consultation on their decision to move from the old Stamford New Road site. I will be raising this issue with Post Office bosses immediately."

A Post Office spokesman said: "This lift has been in operation for about 15 years and will hold 13 people. During that time it has been used by many people in wheelchairs and Shopmobility buggies without any problems."

A WH Smith spokeswoman said: "Before the post office was installed we carried out a review of disabled access to see it was DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant and felt all necessary adjustments had been made. The lift takes 13 people and we felt it was of satisfactory capacity.

"If this proves not to be the case we will look at making further adjustments, such as having a spare wheelchair in the store for anyone with a mobility scooter to use while they are using the post office."

A spokeswoman for the Disability Rights Commission said there could be an issue with the Disability Discrimination Act: "The service provider has a duty to make reasonable adjustments and to ensure they are not treating disabled people less favourably than anyone else."

Have you had problems with the lift? Have your say on our Mesenger Forum at samnews.co.uk/getinteractive cgriffin@messengergrp.co.uk