'Diabolical' postal service fails to deliver - resident

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvvrm1dd0o

A vulnerable man has labelled Royal Mail deliveries to his assisted living accommodation in Kent "diabolical" after six months of infrequent service.

Michael Samson, 66, from Harbledown House in Maidstone, told BBC Radio Kent that he had only just received a Christmas card from his mother in Somerset, which she had posted five months ago.

"I've also missed medical appointments and [now] have my bank cards delivered to my bank in town because I can't rely on the Royal Mail," he said.

A Royal Mail spokesperson apologised and said: "Mail is currently being delivered to Mr Samson's address daily when there is mail to deliver."



The spokesperson added: "Items taking significantly longer than expected to arrive are more likely due to an issue with the item itself."

Many high-volume senders, such as NHS trusts and banks, now use a Royal Mail economy product, rather than standard first- or second-class services.

Roughly 48% of letters are now sent using this service - they are only delivered with a separate first- or second-class item or after five working days from posting.

However, other people living in the area also commented on the sporadic deliveries within the ME16 postcode.

Among them, Michael Samson, who relies heavily on Royal Mail to deliver his post on time.

"I've had a stroke and have epilepsy, so I struggle to use a computer, so the mail is a lifeline. Fortunately, my doctors now send me reminder text messages to my phone as the appointment notices by post have arrived too late."

"I still haven't got my mum's birthday card from last Saturday either."

Another resident, Caroline, said that she only saw a postal delivery worker "maybe once or twice a week at most" and that she "hoped birthday and Christmas cards were given priority".