Route changes by RM could mean later deliveries - Staffs

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Route changes by Royal Mail could mean later deliveries around Newcastle

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THOUSANDS of businesses and residents have been warned they face getting their post later every day in a shake-up of deliveries.

The Royal Mail changes will see posties working longer hours by taking on bigger routes and using trolleys to help them deliver larger items without having to carry heavy bags.

The firm today stressed 'many customers' in the ST5 postal area, which covers Newcastle, will continue to get their mail by lunchtime.

But the time customers receive their mail will depend on where they live on the new delivery route, which could be later than current delivery times.

Deliveries will also be affected by how many letters posties are given on their rounds.

The changes will be brought in this month.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Unfortunately, fewer letters are now posted every day and Royal Mail needs to organise its delivery routes to be as efficient as possible.

"We also deliver an increasing number of larger items and so we are investing in new equipment to carry these items to customers even more securely.

"The new equipment also reduces the risk of injury to our postmen and women from carrying heavier mail bags.

"These changes will require a period of adjustment for staff. "However, Royal Mail will be doing everything possible to maintain a high level of service."

Parts of North Staffordshire and South Cheshire have already switched to longer rounds and using trolleys.

Traders in Newcastle have today given a mixed response to the changes.

Bryan Kirkham, who runs Kirkham's Jewellers, in Merrial Street, said: "I pick up the majority of the post relating to the shop, but the idea of postmen using trolleys does concern me.

"It's a major security risk."

Carl Thorley, aged 44, who runs Curley's barbershop, in High Street, said: "I only get general bills through the post so if the deliveries are an hour or two later, it won't affect me too much.

"I think the service we get at the minute is quite good."

The changes come as hundreds of people are fighting Royal Mail plans to shut Kidsgrove Delivery Office and move operations to Knutton.

Latest figures show 90.9 per cent of first-class mail in the ST postal area was delivered on time between September 5 and December 4, compared with 91.2 per cent in the previous quarter. Royal Mail's target is 91.5 per cent.

[kawoxux]

Still driving revisions through then?

Its like watching a very slow car crash it really is.

[Lounge Lizard]

That's just the standard lertter sent to P O Box holders throughout the country whereever a revision is taking place.
"Bryan Kirkham, who runs Kirkham's Jewellers, in Merrial Street, said: "I pick up the majority of the post relating to the shop, but the idea of postmen using trolleys does concern me. "It's a major security risk."
surely trolleys are less of a security risk than bicycles, but given the publicity there's an even bigger risk for any trolley now in or near Merrial Street.

[slave]

surely trolleys are less of a security risk than bicycles

Why?

They are more of a risk compared with shouldering the weight.

[Lounge Lizard]

surely trolleys are less of a security risk than bicycles

Why?

They are more of a risk compared with shouldering the weight.

If the weight was shouldered, agreed. But it isn't, and a bicycled can be ridden away faster than a trolley can be pushed away.