An MP has urged a regulator to investigate delays and disruption to postal deliveries across a County Durham community.
Residents in Wingate, Blackhall and Hesleden villages have criticised Royal Mail for missing letters about key hospital appointments and bills.
Royal Mail apologised and said the delays were partly down to staff shortages and poor weather.
But Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, has written to industry regulator OFCOM, urging them to probe the ongoing issues.
“These delays are having a real and damaging impact on people’s lives, from missed medical appointments to important legal and financial documents arriving late or not at all,” the Labour MP said.
County councillor Rob Crute said he had been inundated with messages from concerned residents about the lack of post throughout January.
Mr Morris added: “I have raised these concerns directly with Royal Mail and have also reported the matter to OFCOM, as the prolonged and persistent delays clearly represent a failure to meet Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligations.
“There appears to be no delay in parcel deliveries, which raises serious concerns that parcels are being prioritised over essential post.
“Despite privatisation, Royal Mail continues to have a legal duty to provide a reliable and universal postal service. I want to see that duty upheld and a full, proper postal service restored for our communities."
In October, Royal Mail was fined £21 million by OFCOM for missing its first and second class mail delivery targets.
The cost of a 1st class stamp, now £1,70, has more than doubled since 2020 despite Royal Mail failing to meet a 1st class annual delivery target since 2017 or a 2nd class target since 2020.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We understand how concerning delays to letter deliveries can be, particularly for people who rely on the post for essential information. We would reassure residents that the vast majority of letters are arriving as expected.
“More recently, short-term staffing pressures and poor weather earlier this month did affect some routes. We’re working to ensure all routes receive a regular and reliable service and will continue to monitor performance closely.”