ELTHAM MP Clive Efford is calling on postal chiefs to improve services at the town's only main post office.

Since it was taken over by private firm Shieldex last month, customers at Eltham post office have complained about poor service.

Too few staff have seen customers queuing for more than an hour for routine transactions.

One disgruntled customer told News Shopper the level of service at the Court Road branch was comparable to a "Third World country".

Now Mr Efford has written to The Post Office Ltd, which awarded the Eltham franchise to Shieldex.

He says the firm has a duty to ensure Shieldex provides a decent service to its customers.

Mr Efford said: "It astonishes me a company as incompetent as this has taken over the franchise.

"The fact there doesn't seem to be any appropriate checks to deliver the service, is a disgrace.

"The Post Office Ltd has a duty to ensure this company provides at least the equal or better service under the franchise."

Regular customer Ted Giddings, of Cobbett Road, Eltham, said: "It was absolute chaos when I went in.

"Only three people were working behind the counter and there was at least 100 people waiting to be served."

The 78-year-old, who is awaiting a response to a letter of complaint he has written, added: "I waited 40 minutes in the queue, then a further 12 minutes for the worker to do my two bus pass forms.

"It was like a Third World country."

The Post Office Ltd says this is the first time they have been told there is a problem.

A spokesman said: "We haven't been alerted about any complaints and we advise people to contact our customer service helpline.

"Shieldex has a proven success record with other franchises.

"It is still early days with the Eltham office and staff need time to settle in."

He added: "We have close links with the area manager who will monitor the situation."

Sheildex was unavailable for comment.