Northampton - Postal workers slam delivery cut decision

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Postal workers in Northampton have publicly criticised Royal Mail's decision to cut delivery hours to Moulton Park Industrial Estate.

A letter has been sent to all the businesses on the estate from the Northamptonshire branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) telling them the reason behind the delayed post and advising them to make formal complaints to Royal Mail.

Mick Fitzmaurice, Northamptonshire branch secretary of the CWU, said they had taken the unprecedented action of writing directly to their customers because of the "deep embarrassment" of the postal workers responsible for Moulton Park deliveries.

He said: "We have been inundated with complaints from our members that work in that area who have faced the brunt of criticism from customers.

"For small businesses it can be their livelihood that is dependent on the postal service.

"Our members are finding it increasingly embarrassing so we decided to send the letter to explain why the deliveries were so late."

Andy Marks, director of Metrol Springs Ltd based in Moulton Park, said he received the letter on Friday and was worried about the effect the changes may have on his business.

He said: "As a business we rely on post arriving in a timely manner in the morning.

"We have cheques to pay in and invoices to enter."

A Royal Mail spokesman said the changes at the Crow Lane Delivery Office had been introduced in line with the 2007 agreement on pay and modernisation, which the CWU leadership signed in the presence of the TUC.

He said: "The initiative seeks to harmonise delivery service levels with the volume of mail currently being handled on site.

"A primary concern has been to minimise the impact of these changes on our customers.

"However, as with any adjustments in deliveries, a settling down period has been necessary and we would apologise to those people and businesses affected as a result," he added.