Anger as Royal Mail slashes last post times

[POSTMAN]

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Final collection times at some Lancashire post boxes have been slashed by more than an hour.



Royal Mail bosses have cut back on final collections at boxes across the PR and LA postcodes, with some being cut to 4pm. Final collections are usually around 5.30pm.

The company says it is to ensure everyone who posts a first class letter can be assured it will arrive the next day.

But customers today described the move as “ridiculous.”

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said while some post boxes have had hours cut, others will see them made later.

He added: “We have revised final collection times at some of our postboxes in the PR and LA postcode areas to ensure all mail enters our system in time to achieve next-day delivery.

“These changes, which are in accordance with national specification, will help to improve the efficiency of our operation.

“Some of the times may be later and some earlier than before.

“In each case, notices are placed on effected boxes to advise customers of the forthcoming change.”

One post box in Hill Road South, Penwortham, near the junction with Far Field, has been included in the cuts.

Final collection time at the box is now 4pm.

A mum-of-two from Far Field, who did not want to be named, said: “This is ridiculous, what about people coming home from work?

“If I need to get something in the post as soon as I get in I will have to drive around trying to find somewhere with a later collection. What a waste.

“What is the point of having post boxes that only cater for those at home all day?”

A neighbour added: “Such an early last post is absolutely ridiculous.

“Basically what they, the Post Office, are saying is that despite the cost of a first class stamp next day post from your local box is a thing of the past, unless you’ve got time to nip out of work during the day time. I think this is just another nail in the coffin for the postal service.”

The Royal Mail was not able to provide a list of the post boxes affected.

Andy Tatchell, of the Communication Workers Union, said: “They have been doing a review of collection times.

“They are subject to the conditions of the licence when they do this.It is not large-scale.”

[POSTMAN]

Modernisation!

[noggin1969]

Some of the times may be later and some earlier than before

A

[oypostie]

Isn't it strange that "in order to provide the best possible service" always seems to mean providing a worse service

[smokerjim]

Andy Tatchell, of the Communication Workers Union, said: “They have been doing a review of collection times.

“They are subject to the conditions of the licence when they do this.It is not large-scale.”

Perfect opportunity for the CWU to put the boot in about modernisation, and what do they say? "Go back to your lives, people, nothing to see here - STFU, we don't really care anymore.....excuse me Mr RM, sir, is that what you wanted us to say?"

[borders]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

[POSTMAN]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

You guys are skating on thin ice.

[Lounge Lizard]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

You guys are skating on thin ice.

Why ?
And aren't the earlier collection times because mail has further to travel to the Mail Centre now that there are fewer of them, Warrington for example taking on Crewe, Liverpool etc. ?

[POSTMAN]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

You guys are skating on thin ice.

Why ?
And aren't the earlier collection times because mail has further to travel to the Mail Centre now that there are fewer of them, Warrington for example taking on Crewe, Liverpool etc. ?

Dedicated stand alone collection drivers like down my way should be looking over their shoulder over the next few years.
I don't think it's hard to fathom,and i'm an ex of the job.

[borders]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

You guys are skating on thin ice.

Why ?
And aren't the earlier collection times because mail has further to travel to the Mail Centre now that there are fewer of them, Warrington for example taking on Crewe, Liverpool etc. ?

we havnt had a Mail centre Review down our way yet, Like Postman says in the next few years things are gonna change .

[noggin1969]

as a Distribution/ collection driver i find this very disturbing. if they can get away with this and roll it out across the country this will surely have a knock on effect regarding full time jobs ?

[POSTMAN]

With later finishing times now there is nothing to stop that.
Cross functioning is another buzz word in RM.
Could we see all collection hubs going mainly part time?You can bet your bottom dollar that's what RM want.