Norwich's postal service has improved

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/ ... 3A45%3A293" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

People living in Norwich are enjoying from a quicker and more reliable postal service, new figures have revealed.

The percentage of first class letters being delivered on time in the NR postcode hit 93.6pc for the nine months to the end of December last year.

The figures represent a significant improvement on the previous year, when the percentage of on-time deliveries dropped to just 86.3pc, against a target of 91.5pc.

Nationally only 85pc of first class letters were delivered on time in 2007/08, which Royal Mail bosses blamed on summer strikes by postal workers over pay.

Following a 9pc fall, the firm failed to meet its targets in all postcodes in the East of England, and as reported in the Evening News last May, Royal Mail chiefs were accused of failing customers by an official watchdog.

But the company has reversed the downward trend and is again hitting its targets.

At one point, the delivery rates in the NR area, which includes Norwich and much of Norfolk, hit a high of 95.9pc of first class letters being delivered the following working day between July and September last year - the fourth best figure in more than 100 postcodes nationally.

The turnaround was welcomed by industry watchdog Consumer Focus.

Robert Hammond, of Consumer Focus, said: “These figures are a significant improvement on last year and will be good news to thousands of Royal Mail customers in the Norfolk area.

“The challenge for Royal Mail now is to maintain and improve these high standards in the long-term.”

Nationally, Royal Mail narrowly missed its 93pc target for first class stamped mail, which hit 92.9pc last autumn, but bosses said the “vast majority” of mail was delivered on or ahead of target.

The firm added that new figures for January which have yet to be published are well ahead of the targets.

Mark Higson, managing director of Royal Mail's Letters business, said: “Our people across Royal Mail continue to focus intensely on delivering the best possible service to all our customers, large and small.”

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Call reporter Sam Williams on 01603 772447 or email sam.williams@archant.co.uk