Royal Mail delays 'worst ever seen' say Swindon residents

[POSTMAN]

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/new ... residents/

Royal Mail's delivery service has reached the "worst" it's ever been, according to Swindon residents who say they've nearly missed vital appointments and lost precious cards.

On Wednesday, March 11, Royal Mail announced that 82 postcodes, including Swindon, were being affected by delays to deliveries due to issues with a lorry driving from Edinburgh to the Midlands Parcel Hub.

A spokesperson for the mail company confirmed it was working to restore temporary issues with the service "to the high standard our customers would normally receive."

However, multiple residents from across Swindon say that issues with late deliveries have been ongoing for months.

It's left hospital patients having to rely on text messages to find out about appointments, and family members waiting for cards that never arrive.

"I got a letter today dated February 27, telling me about work starting at my flat on March 10...which was yesterday," said Badbury Park resident Julian Alford.

"I got it on March 11. Not only that, I sent a postcard from Spain two weeks ago and it still hasn't arrived."

"It just seems odd. I get like eight letters one day, then nothing for a week.

"I’ve lived here nearly nine years and the service has definitely gone downhill since I moved in."

Swindon resident Sally Murphy added: "My daughter-in-law never received the birthday card I posted at the end of January. It was only five miles away from my house to hers.

For some residents, like Michelle Cox and Karen Payne, the delays are about more than sentimental messages, as both Swindon women have nearly missed out on vital appointments.

"My hospital appointment letter didn't arrive," Michelle told the Adver.

"Thankfully the hospital had phoned. I hardly ever see a postman, let alone a letter."

Karen, from Gorsehill, added: "I haven’t been getting regular mail for months since before Christmas.

"I also have noticed I've been receiving late hospital letters. Luckily I didn’t miss appointments as I was receiving text reminders."

Following Ofcom's reforms to the Universal Service in July 2025, Royal Mail promises that 1st Class letters will be delivered six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

2nd Class and other non-1st Class letters are delivered every other weekday (Monday to Friday) and should arrive within three weekdays.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail told the Swindon Advertiser: “We understand how frustrating it can be when post does not arrive as expected, and we want to reassure customers that performance at the local delivery office is improving and the vast majority of mail is being delivered as planned.

“Measures are in place to keep services consistent and to ensure customers continue to receive their post on a regular basis. We review performance each day and take any action needed to maintain deliveries.”

Yet speaking to the Adver, many residents say they believe the root of the issue comes down to a lack of regular staff.

Steve Lewis has lived on Argyle Street since he was born in the 1960s, and the lack of a regular postie means he can't let staff know of his mobility issues.

In March 2026, one postman, who had never delivered to his house and did not know of his limited mobility, attempted to put Steve's parcel in the food waste box outside where he could not reach.

"I like to get to know my posties by name, explain my situation," said Steve.

"But posties are being switched about, overloaded or new inexperienced workers join.

"This is the worst service I have ever had and it's left me feeling unsure, even though scanned, that this item will ever get to its destination."