Postal services delayed by increasing volumes of heavy parce

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Postal services delayed by increasing volumes of heavy parcels http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/st ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

THOUSANDS of businesses and residents are set to receive their post later in the day, because posties are having to deliver more parcels.

Royal Mail is changing delivery routes in the ST1, ST2, ST4, ST9 and ST12 postcode areas after concerns delivery staff are struggling under the weight of heavy parcels.

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Now traditional postbags are being replaced with trolleys on the new rounds.

The change means delivery staff will cover amended routes and have to work longer into the afternoon to finish their rounds.

But Royal Mail today insisted most people should still get their post delivered by lunchtime.

The changes to deliveries from Stoke's Leek Road office come as latest figures show North Staffordshire is suffering the third worst postal service in mainland Britain; with just 85.9 per cent of first-class mail delivered on time.

Areas including Stoke, Hanley, Fenton, Bucknall, Trentham and Trent Vale will be affected by the new routes.

In most areas, staff will share a van and complete two delivery routes from one vehicle.

The new trolleys will mean staff can carry more mail at once and it will be easier for them to take around.

Other parts of the ST area are expected to move to new routes at a later date.

A Communication Workers Union spokesman said: "There is a health and safety issue with people carrying large bags around. There have been injuries in the past as a result."

Businesses are unhappy at the prospect of later deliveries.

Robert Barrs, who runs Rubber Soul Records, in Stoke, says he could suffer as a result.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Stoke, said: "I hope my deliveries are not affected because it will be a big inconvenience.

"We pay good money and expect a good service from Royal Mail but that isn't always the case. Customers are fed up of hearing excuses."

Alan Gerrard, who runs theartbay gallery, in Fenton, added: "We get often get letters from schools and like to get back to them the same day.

"If we don't get our mail until late, the school could be finished for the day."

Chris Bostock, Royal Mail's collection and delivery sector manager for the Stoke-on-Trent area, said: "Fewer letters are posted every day, lots more packets and larger items are being delivered and we need to organise our delivery routes to be as efficient as possible.

"We are investing in new equipment to deliver these larger items. It also reduces the risk of injury to our staff from carrying heavier mailbags."

[slave]

But Royal Mail today insisted most people should still get their post delivered by lunchtime.

do we in this country suddenly take late lunches?????


Amazing how they keep trotting this lie out every time these farcical revisions take place!
Not even had a revision and I would say on an average day only 50% get it by lunchtime on my round.

[Judgee]

"But Royal Mail today insisted most people should still get their post delivered by lunchtime."