Inquiry call after first postal delivery for 20 days

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4 ... r_20_days/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HOMES that have waited since before Christmas for their postman to call finally got the first delivery of 2010 yesterday.

Although the roads in the Edmundbyers, Hunstanworth and Blanchland areas of County Durham have largely stayed open through the snow, there has been no postal service since December 23.

Durham County Councillor John Shuttleworth has demanded an investigation by Royal Mail bosses, claiming the service has let people down.

Retired garage owner Douglas Sutherland, 88, from Blanchland, said the service was not fit for purpose.

He said that other delivery vehicles had got through, including an ambulance sent for his 73-year-old wife, Irene.

He said: “I can’t see any reason why the post couldn’t get through. The roads are quite clear.

“It’s shocking. When I eventually got my post there was enough to fill a sack.”

Retired haulier Mike Hodgson has been collecting mail from the nearest Royal Mail office at Leadgate 11 miles away.

He said: “I have been here since 1964 and, although the weather has been bad, it is nothing like as bad as in the past.

“The most annoying thing is that nobody has given me an explanation. You can’t talk to anyone.”

Coun Shuttleworth said: “There is no excuse. I want a full investigation.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman did not answer questions put by The Northern Echo on behalf of residents. She said that postmen and women were working hard to keep the mail moving and advised customers to check the service’s website – royalmail.com – for up-todate information.

[DGP1]

But I can guarantee that the other drivers didn't have to worry that they'd be sacked if they damaged their vans or got stuck because that's the impression that I got off my manager.

[General Mannerheim]

Coun Shuttleworth said: “There is no excuse. I want a full investigation.”

[not me]

always nice to see the pensioners available for comment

[dvbuk55]

But I can guarantee that the other drivers didn't have to worry that they'd be sacked if they damaged their vans or got stuck because that's the impression that I got off my manager.

Time you retired that old mac DGP - remember what the magistrate said last time

[Thunderthighs]

I had one lady caller at the front office, who lives at over 1,000ft, "When can I get our mail? Can the postie ring me when he's in the village, and I'll come and meet him with my 4x4.!"
Yeah...right...what does he do with the other 500 households, call them too?
It would end up as one of those naff adverts where everyone meets up playing instruments on the top of buses due to free texts LOL!
Here's an idea...move to sea level!