Royal Mail answers to MP's queries about missing deliveries

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https://www.bridgwatermercury.co.uk/new ... eliveries/

BRIDGWATER MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has asked Royal Mail to explain why some of his constituents have faced unexpected delays to their deliveries.

Mr Liddell-Grainger says some of his constituents in West Somerset have reported going up to four days without receiving mail.

The postal service has blamed “resourcing issues” and staff absences and says it has plans in place to manage its future workload.

He said: “We may live in an age where we can communicate with each other over the internet in a matter of seconds, but you can’t send everything by email and there are many, many people who still rely on a dependable postal service.

“Royal Mail is failing to provide that despite being mandated to do so. I am in no way criticising postal staff: the responsibility for this failing lies with the bosses.

“If indeed this problem - as I have been led to believe - is down to staff shortages then I want to know what Royal Mail is doing to recruit new delivery personnel and how soon it anticipates being able to restore full service.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are very sorry some residents have experienced delays.

“This is an important issue, and when delays occur every effort is made to ensure effected post is delivered and the reasons behind the delays are addressed.

“For example, at our delivery office in Bridgwater our local service has been impacted by resourcing issues, and a higher number of absences than usual.

“To resolve this there are plans, such as future recruitment, to ensure sufficient resources are in place to manage our anticipated workload.

“Across our service, deliveries are being made six days a week when there is mail to be delivered.

“When a particular route experiences delays, we will prioritise that route the next day to ensure the majority of customers never experience a delay of more than one day.

“We encourage anyone with concerns about the delivery of their mail to please contact customer service on 03457 740 740 or via www.royalmail.com.”