Angry Southend Labour councillors have voiced their frustration over the High Street Post Office’s lack of response over the building’s safety and maintenance checks.

Julian Ware-Lane, a Labour councillor for the Milton ward, told the Echo he received complaints from residents about a roof leaking during the recent wet weather conditions.

He was told by residents there was “water all over the floor” and the self-service machines failed to operate.

Mr Ware-Lane said: “Having the Post Office counters on the first floor of WH Smith not only makes access a little more difficult, but it is also liable to these sort of extreme weather incidents.”

He added the premises was in dire need of maintenance. He also alleged the lift, inside the building, was malfunctioned due to the leak.

He said: “How will the Post Office deal with future extreme weather conditions?”

Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on Southend Council, councillor Anne Jones, said: “Labour councillors and activists spoke to many members of the public, prior to the Post Office moving to their current premises.

She said: “The most frequent concern was that it would be located on the first floor and could be inaccessible to wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and people with children in prams.

“It is appalling that not only did the Post Office dismiss these concerns, but the premises underwent only a cosmetic refurbishment and not a proper upgrade.

“The concern all along was that the building would not be fit for purpose. Furthermore, it is not particularly safe for the public to use.”

The Post Office caused an uproar amongst residents and councillors last year when they made the decision to move into the current premises.

A Post Office spokesman said: “Unfortunately the self-service kiosks were out of use for two days last week as a result of a water leak at Southend Post Office. The Post Office counters remained open for business where the full range of Post Office services were available to customers. We would like to reassure people that the health and safety of our people and customers is our key priority.”