Customers warned of Watford postal delays

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Customers have been warned to expect delays in their mail deliveries as managers implement changes to postal routes.

Royal Mail implemented new delivery routes yesterday, as a phased modernisation process – agreed after bitter industrial action between the company and staff – continues apace.

Sources at Watford’s Ascot Road sorting office described chaotic scenes yesterday as delivery staff set off late on unfamiliar rounds.

One staff member, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is going to take weeks to get this right. Staff are expected to learn new routes straight away and get everything delivered on time – it can’t happen.”

They warned that domestic customers in the WD19 and many more business customers would face the most serious disruption in the coming days.

Royal Mail said it had to modernise in order to survive in a changing market place, where fewer letters are now being sent.

It stressed that many customers would still have their mail by lunchtime, depending on where they live. Others, the company added, would get mail earlier.

A spokesman said: “These changes will require a period of adjustment for staff. However, Royal Mail will be doing everything possible to maintain a high level of service and thanks customers for their understanding. It is anticipated that the changes will take a few weeks to implement.”

The Ascot Road depot will close in the August, when all sorting services are moved to a new purpose built facility in Hemel Hempstead as part of cost-cutting plans/ A new delivery office for the Watford area will be maintained in Caxton Way, on the nearby Watford Business Park.

[Bernardson]

Who are the lucky "others". I think we should be told!