Three concrete steps are the only way into the Camp Street building.

The possible human rights breach was raised when Beechworth resident Margaret Feeney, 79, took the issue to a discrimination lawyer this month after her 85-year-old husband fell and injured his arm when trying to negotiate the steps.

Australia Post told The Border Mail yesterday it could not make changes to the heritage building as it rents it from a private owner, but they were now in discussions to address the problem.

But it remains unclear why it has taken until now for the service to act on its access requirements.

Heritage status is no grounds for not complying with the Disability Discrimination Act, according to the Human Rights Commission.

Heritage Victoria has also confirmed it has never received any application from any party to change the 145-year-old building to meet all-abilities standards.

“An enquiry was made about seven years ago and Heritage Victoria advised its preference for any ramp to be installed at an existing opening on Ford Street rather than on the intact Camp Street facade where it would significantly impact the heritage fabric and appearance of the building,” a Heritage Victoria spokeswoman said.

“We have received no further applications since then.”

Mrs Feeney and her husband are both vision-impaired and rely on walking frames; if they need to send letters, they usually wait until someone comes past to post it for them.

She first raised the issue with The Border Mail in 2011, and she was “well and truly disgusted” nothing had been done yet.

Adding to her frustration is Westpac Bank’s impending move to the post office building from the newsagency — which she says means she would no longer be able to do her banking either.

“This town is full of old people yet there’s no access for them to basic services like the post office,” she said.

An Australia Post spokeswoman said the organisation was “currently in negotiations with the property owners’ representative to see what suitable solution can be made to improve accessibility”.

“Our local staff work very closely with customers to ensure they can access all postal services,” she said.

“This includes meeting them at the base of the steps where possible.”

A Westpac spokesman said the bank was keen to “understand this issue and work out what assistance we can provide”.

“We have started conversations with Australia Post about the Beechworth Post Office, and while we understand there are a number of challenges regarding this heritage building, Australia Post shares our commitment to accessibility,” he said.