Greenwich town centre’s new post office is unable to open all day because it is relying on an unreliable mobile phone signal to carry out transactions.
The branch, which opened last week, replaced a previous outlet on the same site which closed when the building was redeveloped.
But frustrated customers are only getting a patchy service because it has not been properly connected to the central database, forcing the branch to close whenever it can’t get a mobile signal.
Post Office staff are trying to use boosters to overcome the problem with London’s unreliable signals – but are being thwarted because the building has a metal frame.
One customer told The Greenwich Wire: “I was there this morning at about 10.15am and the post office was having to close. I can’t believe it’s not been fixed.”
Staff in the branch, on Greenwich High Road, are telling customers that the signal is often down for half an hour at a time.
The Post Office said that it was working to fix the problem, and that affected customers could use branches in Lewisham Road, Trafalgar Road, Lewisham town centre, New Cross or Evelyn Street in Deptford instead.
A spokesperson told The Greenwich Wire: “Regrettably, we have encountered several telecommunications issues that we are working hard to try to overcome to provide a dependable service. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the unreliable service currently offered which is beyond the control of the long-serving postmaster and Post Office.
“Greenwich is temporarily operating on a mobile phone signal, which has allowed the branch to operate. However, we accept that this is not a consistent service as at times the branch cannot receive a strong enough signal. We continue to work with telecommunications experts to find a workable solution as quickly as possible.
“Whilst working towards a permanent solution we installed an antenna to try to boost the mobile signal. However, there is a metal frame within the new building, which is blocking our effort to obtain a stable mobile signal despite Post Office’s investment in signal receiver upgrades. We are keeping the postmaster informed of updates.”
In Woolwich town centre, the Post Office is continuing to advertise for a business to take on its branch there, which will close along with WH Smith next month.
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