SOUTH West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison experienced the challenges involved in delivering the post when he joined a local postie on his delivery round in Trowbridge on Friday.
Dr Murrison is one of a number of MPs being invited to go out with postmen and women across the UK to see the lengths Royal Mail goes to deliver the post.
Joe Newman, delivery office manager at Trowbridge, who briefed Dr Murrison before he set off on his walk said: “We’re delighted that he is taking the time to experience the everyday challenges faced by our delivery postmen and women.
“The visit gave us the opportunity to show Andrew how we are modernising and transforming the organisation. We are investing in new sorting and delivery equipment as we respond to the changing nature of the modern postbag. We are delivering more parcels and fewer letters than ever before and the tools for the job need to reflect that.”
The purpose of the visits is to give them a unique insight into the challenges of delivering mail to every house and business in their constituency, six days a week.
Dr Murrison added: “On my visit I found that postmen and women not only deliver the mail but play an important part in the local communities across the South West Wiltshire constituency.
“I joined James Dancey who delivers mail to people in Trowbridge and this is the best way of getting an insight into the work involved in delivering the mail on a daily basis - they go out in all weathers, and I thank them for all the work they do.
“It also gave me the chance to chat to the staff at the sorting office, not just about the postal service but about a wide variety of issues.”
Royal Mail is currently transforming its operation, which means every part of the process from collecting, transporting, sorting and delivering the mail is being improved to increase efficiency.