Customer boycotts Barnwood PO after staff ask questions

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Customer boycotts Barnwood post office after staff ask questions about parcels

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Customer boycotts Barnwood post office after staff ask questions about parcels


Pensioner Gordon Meek is boycotting his local post office after 13 years – because staff there started asking him what was in his parcels.

Gordon has been using the post office in the Wotton Hall Social Club in Barnwood Road but recently found that staff there were questioning the contents of his packages.

He said: “The last few times I have taken my parcels in they have asked what is in there.

“Recently I posted some bits back for a torch to be repaired and the last time it was Avon cosmetics.

“When I have put the parcel on the scales to be weighed members of staff there have always found the need to ask me what is in there.

“But I believe this kind of information is confidential and they have no right to ask me what is in there.”

Gordon, from Hucclecote, now uses the post office in King’s Square, Gloucester.

He said: “I am really annoyed at the situation.

“I have never had any issues with the Barnwood post office but I am now using the one in King’s Square. This is inconvenient.

“The staff at King’s Square do not usually ask me about the contents of my parcels.

“It should be publicised somewhere if staff are going to ask people.”

Certain items are not allowed to be sent in the post, depending on which country the package is being sent to.

Each country has its own regulations.

Starting last month in the run up to Christmas, customers across the country are asked about the contents of their parcels.

A spokesman from the Post Office said: “Customers are asked about the contents of their parcels at the post office in order for us to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s instructions, which ensure necessary checks are carried out to transport mail safely.

“We are required to abide by this on behalf of the mail carrier, Royal Mail. Staff are trained to help identify items where it is not immediately obvious they could be hazardous or dangerous, because breaching these postal regulations runs the risk that items could be impounded. Staff can then ensure the items, if acceptable, are treated correctly and transported safely.

“Customers posting items overseas should note that the rules may be different for international post. Customers should always check whether or not an item is prohibited or restricted, and can find lists of prohibited or restricted items at http://www.postoffice.co" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. uk/prohibited-goods-UK .”