Swooping seagulls attacking Royal Mail staff are delaying deliveries to Southend-on-Sea residents

[POSTMAN]

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-n ... il-5641459

Posties were allegedly attacked by the birds whilst attempting to deliver to a number of roads in Thorpe Bay, Essex, last week, leading to many residents missing their post.

In a letter seen by EssexLive, residents of Marcus Avenue, Marcus Gardens and Marcus Chase were told to expect disruption to their regular post.

This is because seagulls nesting nearby are swooping down and attacking postmen and postwomen attempting to carry out their rounds in the area.

The letter read: "As you may be aware, we are currently experiencing some difficulties in delivering to you due to seagulls in the area swooping at delivery staff in order to protect their young.

"This is on occasion affecting our ability to deliver to you and your neighbours safely."

The letter went on to explain that whilst deliveries will be attempted every day, if certain addresses become too much of a problem for Royal Mail workers, post will instead be sent to a local sorting office.

Royal Mail confirmed that the letter was genuine, and that residents in the aforementioned Thorpe Bay roads were being impacted by the seagull problem.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "The safety of our people is paramount to Royal Mail.

"Our postmen and women can experience difficulties out on delivery in some areas due to swooping attacks by seagulls.

"We are monitoring the situation to ensure we can continue to deliver safely to customers."

Marcus Avenue, Marcus Chase and Marcus Gardens are residential roads situated metres from the seafront in Thorpe Bay - a residential area east of Southend-on-Sea.