Mild weather helping deliveries of Dorset's Christmas post

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Mild weather helping deliveries of Dorset's Christmas post http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/943750 ... tmas_post/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mild weather is help to Royal Mail workers POSTAL workers in Dorset are breathing a sigh of relief as mild weather allows them to deliver Christmas parcels a year after heavy snowfalls.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents hundreds of postal workers across the county said it is pleased with how the service is coping under the added pressure of more items to deliver.

CWU branch secretary for Dorset Andy Rook said: “Packet deliveries have gone up excessively and that’s the biggest challenge, but it is one we are coping well with.”

Last year extreme weather conditions across the county led to Dorchester’s main post box being closed on one of the busiest postal days of the year and many people were without mail for over a week.

Andy said: “Fortunately we have not seen many problems with deliveries this year.

“Even when the weather was terrible last year, our members tried their best to get out there and deliver post, because ultimately, people want their Christmas cards at Christmas and we appreciate that.

“We had several injuries reported last year where members were so dedicated to go out in bad conditions.

“We do aim to deliver in snow, rain or sunshine and this Christmas the good weather has been a real bonus.”

There is still misery for residents of Easton as a community group fights to get the ‘busiest post office on Portland’ reinstated.

As reported in the Echo, the branch at Reforne closed earlier this month meaning customers have had to travel across the island to send Christmas packages.

Manager of Dorset Community Action – which is offering a £500 start-up grant to any business willing to host the service – Simon Thompson said: “At the present time, no one has come forward.

“It’s is so important that we get the post office reinstated as it’s a vital part of the community.

“Luckily the Christmas rush is now over but we are really keen that we get the service back next year.

“Easton is a very close community and I am sure everyone is pulling together to tackle problems arising from the closure.

“I would encourage residents who are visiting another branch to check on friends and relatives, particularly if they are elderly, to ask if they need any letters or parcels delivered too.”

If you own a business in Easton and would like more information on hosting the post office, call Simon Thompson on 07974 723087.