Taunton Deane Audio News recordings not reaching blind and partially-sighted people due to Royal Mail errors

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THE Royal Mail has apologised after repeated mistakes have left blind and partially-sighted people unable to catch up with the local news.

Posties keep returning recordings of snippets from the County Gazette to the charity sending them out rather than to the intended recipients.

It has led to some people with little contact with the outside world missing out on their eagerly awaited dose of goings on in the area.

David Janes, of Taunton Deane Talking Newspapers for sight-impaired and blind people, said the confusion is caused because the intended listeners are supposed to return the recordings in the same package it is delivered in.

Mr Janes said it appears the posties recognise the packages and 'guess' they have been posted for return to the charity's offices in Staplegrove Road without looking at the address details.

"The USB sticks we send out have persistently gone astray in two cases, but it's a regular occurrence for a number of people," added Mr Janes, who has logged scores of non-deliveries over recent years.

"It's very frustrating because people really look forward to receiving the news.

"There are four addresses in Northfield Gardens where they're regularly delivered back to us without reaching their destination.

"I sometimes have to go and deliver them myself, but why should I have to when the Royal Mail should have done it?

"I've complained to the sorting office in Taunton and the Royal Mail head office - they always assure me they'll sort the problem, but it's still going on."

The news recordings are dispatched every Friday to 80 people in Taunton and Wellington who are unable to read newspapers.

"The people not getting their recordings every week are being discriminated against," said Mr Janes.

The free TDAN service has been running for 38 years, is funded by a generous bequest and donations and relies on a team of around 50 volunteers.

Royal Mail spokeswoman Val Bodden said: "We would like to sincerely apologise to customers for the problems they are experiencing with our delivery service and the inconvenience this has caused.

"We always strive to provide the best possible service as every item of mail is extremely important to us.

"Procedures have been put in place, which include daily checks by the delivery office manager and staff briefed on the importance of correct delivery and maintaining the high level of service our customers expect and deserve.

“If any customer has any concerns about their mail service, they should contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 03457 740740 or visit our website at http://www.royalmail.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;"