Royal Mail to probe letter claim

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/ne ... 5565010.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ROYAL Mail is probing an allegation that post sent to an elderly couple in Londonderry was deliberately tampered with to cover up the city's name.
The claim came to light after two senior citizens living in the Lisnagelvin area contacted the office of DUP MLA, William Hay, saying someone had defaced an envelope sent by their daughter, who lives in England.

After the Sentinel got in touch with Royal Mail, the company asked Mr Hay to forward the envelope so the matter can be investigated.

Mr Hay said the elderly couple felt as if it was a personal attack, adding: “They were asking why they had been singled out. But this is the second envelope I’ve got that was defaced in the same way, by someone placing a professional looking sticker over the name Londonderry. It’s obvious that it was deliberate.”

Mr Hay asked whether a criminal act may have been committed and said he would be pursuing the matter with Royal Mail.

He added: “It’s right that this should be investigated, as no-one should tamper with the mail. Whoever did this was being petty and childish, and it wouldn’t matter whether it was the name Londonderry or the name Derry being blotted out - it was wrong and it was sectarian. At the same time, while it’s petty, it’s also hurtful and the people who received this were upset and asking why they should be targeted in this way.”

The MLA said he hoped to set up a meeting with senior Royal Mail staff to see what steps could be taken to prevent a repeat.

Royal Mail has confirmed that it is investigating the matter and that Mr Hay’s office had been asked to forward the evidence.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “We have requested that the envelopes be forwarded onto us so that we can look into the matter. It goes without saying that the defacing of mail within the postal system would be considered a serious breach of trust and any member of staff found responsible would face disciplinary action, in line with our Code of Conduct.”

[dudleylicious]

We have the same kinda problem in Jockland ,from time to time there are stickers which look like a barcode
that are mysteriously attached over the customers address.
its a pain in the ERSE peeling them off to see where its going to .

When management are asked about these barcode stickers ,they no NOTHING

No surprise there then

[pickaname]

Is it not sectarian to want an investigation?

Works both ways does it not?

[DGP1]

This sounds like those FSM labels, I'm forever removing them from the address portion of envelopes so that I can see where they are going .

Anyway, this sounds like the Dupe making a mountain out of a mole hill.

[shadow]

This sounds like those FSM labels, I'm forever removing them from the address portion of envelopes so that I can see where they are going .

Anyway, this sounds like the Dupe making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Mountain and mole hill sounds about right. I think they might be a bit over sensitive.

[baldrick]

This sounds like those FSM labels, I'm forever removing them from the address portion of envelopes so that I can see where they are going .

Anyway, this sounds like the Dupe making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Yeah - the TOPS2000 flat sorting machine puts those barcodes on - often over all or part of the address.
I think the complainants and their DUP MLA are being somewhat paranoid, but perhaps that is to be expected in NI.

[Wessex]

Often see these barcodes on letters,particularly redirections or postcards from the usa, Im sure its not a denigration on the good peoples of Londonderry

[Lounge Lizard]

This sounds like those FSM labels, I'm forever removing them from the address portion of envelopes so that I can see where they are going .

Anyway, this sounds like the Dupe making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Mountain and mole hill sounds about right. I think they might be a bit over sensitive.

What next ?
Loyalists claimimg that the queen's image on a postage stamp has been defaced by a postmark ?

[DGP1]

This sounds like those FSM labels, I'm forever removing them from the address portion of envelopes so that I can see where they are going .

Anyway, this sounds like the Dupe making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Mountain and mole hill sounds about right. I think they might be a bit over sensitive.

What next ?
Loyalists claimimg that the queen's image on a postage stamp has been defaced by a postmark ?

By jove you're right, they shouldn't be stamping on the Queens head