Suspended postman withheld mail

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/nort ... 788668.stm

A postman based at the Kilkeel Delivery Office has been suspended for withholding mail.

A number of people in the County Down town have not received any post for about six weeks.

Martin Connolly, a local councillor, was contacted by about 12 residents who were experiencing difficulties.

"In the past 6 to 8 weeks there seems to have been a problem with their post. They certainly weren't receiving the post they were expecting," he said.

The postal service has now resumed.

Mr Connolly said he was now dealing with constituents who were receiving "red letters" through the post.

"A young woman received a red letter saying her debt was going to be handed over to a debt agency," he said.

"She was flabbergasted because in the first instance she didn't receive the bill, so she has now had to contact the firm and explain the case."

A Royal Mail spokesman said the employee was now subject to disciplinary proceedings.

"Royal Mail is taking all appropriate action necessary to deal with the incident.

"Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and will always seek to prosecute the tiny minority of employees who abuse their position of trust," he said.

"This stance is shared by the vast majority of our postmen and women who are honest and hardworking and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely."