Postmaster's bid to ease parcel difficulties

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/n ... ficulties/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A POSTMASTER keen to help villagers has set up a petition to convince his bosses that undelivered parcels should be left in his care ready for easy collection.

Smylah Ahir has run the post office and newsagents beside the main roundabout in Harden for three years and this Christmas decided to push for a change in current local policy - for the sake of elderly residents in particular.

"At the moment if a parcel is delivered from Bradford sorting office, but nobody is at the address, it then goes all the way up to Eldwick on the other side of Bingley.

"The person just gets a note put through the door asking them to go and collect it.

"At Christmas an elderly lady told me she simply couldn't make the trip up to Eldwick, which is an awkward place to get to and there are only two return bus services from Harden each day.

"I heard of another case where an elderly lady simply didn't get to her front door in time before a postman had left with a parcel and leaving her a note instead. That meant she had to go all the way to Eldwick, when it could have been left with me round the corner," said Mr Ahir.

"I've said to the Post Office I am happy to keep Harden parcels in my shop. There's enough space and the average number of parcels delivered in the area a week is less than twenty.

"However they seem reluctant to change, so I've set up a petition to show them how popular it would be."

One of many signatures already collected belongs to retired training manager Sue Hepworth.

"This shop is invaluable and they are all really helpful and brighten up the village because it's laugh a minute when you call in.

"The only reason my husband gets out of bed in the morning is the fun of going to get the newspaper!

"It would be great if parcels could be kept here - it would just make life so much simpler."

Her friend Maureen Seekins agreed: "This is a great little post office and it would save a lot of bother if people didn't have to go all the way to Eldwick," she said.

Harden parish council chairman Pam Laking also gave her support to Mr Ahir's plan: "I think it's an excellent idea that would work really well.

"Good for him, I hope he succeeds."

A spokesman of the Post Office said its relevant team will be in touch to discuss the proposal in detail: "There is a certain amount of space which would be required in branch for this service to be offered.

"Parcel volumes vary throughout the year and the number of items could increase significantly around busy periods time."

[POSTMAN]

Missed deliveries
If you miss your delivery because you're out and about, you'll receive a 'Something for You' card from Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide letting you know they tried to deliver your post.

Visit the website or call the number listed on the card and you'll be able to arrange to collect your item from a Post Office branch. For items delivered by Royal Mail there is a charge for this service.

You’ll need to wait until midday at least 24 hours after you received the card – then you’ll be able to pick up the parcel.

When you come to pick it up, remember to bring proof of identity for the person the parcel is addressed to and proof of address – like a utility bill or a letter from the council.

Read more at http://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/collec ... F3Il1VR.99" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lounge Lizard]

Missed deliveries
If you miss your delivery because you're out and about, you'll receive a 'Something for You' card from Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide letting you know they tried to deliver your post.

Visit the website or call the number listed on the card and you'll be able to arrange to collect your item from a Post Office branch. For items delivered by Royal Mail there is a charge for this service.

You’ll need to wait until midday at least 24 hours after you received the card – then you’ll be able to pick up the parcel.

When you come to pick it up, remember to bring proof of identity for the person the parcel is addressed to and proof of address – like a utility bill or a letter from the council.

Read more at http://www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/collec ... F3Il1VR.99" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes, and if "an elderly lady simply couldn't make the trip up to Eldwick" then a 'phone call is all that's needed to have it redelivered FREE another day.