MSP wants Dunfermline mail inquiry

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MSP Jim Tolson has written to the UK postal minister calling for a full inquiry into the mail “debacle” in West Fife.

Mr Tolson wrote to postal affairs minister Ed Davey, a fellow Lib Dem, to alert him to the major problems which hit Dunfermline sorting office in the run-up to Christmas and the weeks since.

“I met with senior managers of Royal Mail last week at Dunfermline sorting office and I am disappointed to say that no suitable explanation or apologies were offered,” the MSP wrote.

“Instead, the finger of blame was pointed at Mother Nature, the local council for failing to clear pavements quickly and Amazon for sending out too many parcels over Christmas.

“I fully understand and accept that there are health and safety risks to postal workers if they deliver in treacherous conditions and, whilst the weather was its worst, no reasonable person would expect them to risk life and limb to make mail deliveries.

“However, a few days of snow does not account for a four-week backlog and in some cases complete non-delivery of mail.

“In fact, many of the constituents who have reported non-delivery or late mail say that the pathways and surrounding areas to their homes are clear and other services are able to get through without delay.

"There is no excuse for failures of this magnitude.

He added, “Given the widespread complaints I have received, it is clear that there are serious failings with the system.

“I have heard unofficially from postal workers that the new system implemented in November is to blame with piles of mail being held in the Lothian area waiting to be sorted and delivered.

“Delaying or non-delivery of mail is a serious offence and I respectfully ask that you hold a full inquiry into this debacle to ensure the problem is rectified and that it does not happen again.”

Meanwhile, another Sunday delivery took place to try to tackle the backlog as Royal Mail admitted that “modernisation” of delivery services contributed to the problems but will “ultimately” lead to improvements in efficiency.

These operational changes have been introduced at Dunfermline and Dundee East sorting offices and both have been hit by delays.

Paul Kelly, Royal Mail regional operations director in Scotland, said, “I wish to apologise to our customers who have experienced delays in receiving their mail.

"However, we are focused on improving deliveries in Dundee and Dunfermline.

“Extra management and staff have been deployed and are working extremely hard. Although we do not normally deliver on a Sunday, our staff will be out delivering items for customers.

“I apologise again for any inconvenience but we are doing everything we can to ensure customers get their mail as soon as possible.

“The operational changes we have made in Dundee East and Dunfermline are part of the modernisation of Royal Mail.

“It is vital that we place our business on a more efficient and sustainable footing for the future.

"These changes, based on a national agreement between Royal Mail and our union and endorsed by postmen and women through a national ballot, will ultimately allow us to achieve this aim.”