No ramp for post office users

DISABLED residents in Haddington fear they will be left out in the cold unless the council improves access at the town's central post office.

The post office does not have a wheelchair ramp as a result of planning and space constraints.

It means that disabled customers have to ring a bell and wait for staff to help them up the steps.

Business looks set to increase with the closure of many satellite post offices throughout the Lothians, meaning disabled customers may have to wait to be attended to while staff work to tackle the growing queues.

Community Councillor Fiona Adam said: "I have been told that nothing can be done because that post office is a listed building and that the pavement there is too narrow to allow the creation of a ramp that meets current legislation."

A Post Office spokeswoman said: "The building itself is A-listed and therefore we could not get planning permission from the council to make any alterations."