Posties get police escort to deliver mail to Holly Road, Risca after due to 'crime in the area'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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POSTAL workers now have police escorts when they deliver mail to a Risca Street due to “crime in the area”.

On Monday, the Argus previously reported that Royal Mail had come under fire from residents in Holly Road, Risca, after post had stopped being delivered to their flats.

More than 80 people were said to be affected by the decision and were told they would have to travel between four and five miles to pick up their post at Abercarn delivery office.

However, police are now escorting postal workers to the flats in the street in what is deemed to be an “initial reassurance measure for postal employees.”

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said officers are investigating an isolated incident on the road which happened on June 15, “involving items being thrown out of a flat window, missing a postal worker.”

Police inspector Jim Neesam said: “Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone found to be endangering others will be dealt with robustly.

“We have been working in partnership with the local authority and the individual involved in this incident has now been moved from the area.

“As an initial reassurance measure for postal employees, I have placed a police representative in the area while deliveries are being undertaken. This will be in place in the interim when our investigation is on-going.”

Resident Chester Chaffey said he was relieved to get his post back but said he thought the police escort was “a waste of police time”.

The 71-year-old – who has lived on Holly Road for 32 years – said: “I saw the police car in the road and then two posties arrived and chatted to the police then went into the flats.

“Why they’re escorting them I don’t know. It seems to be a waste of police time really.

“I know it’s not the best of areas, it doesn’t hold the best reputation. These incidents happen inside the flats though, it should not affect everyone.”

A new letter has now been sent out to residents from Caerphilly council’s public sector housing manager which states: “I am pleased to be able to advise you that after a meeting between the police and Royal Mail, an interim arrangement has been agreed in the local area. It is intended that this arrangement will be closely monitored by all agencies and, in the absence of further incidents, will continue until July 1, at which time Royal Mail will carry out a further review of the future of the service.”

It adds: “We are working closely with the police following recent incidents in and around Holly Road and will take strong action against those tenants involved where we have evidence to do so.

“Sadly it is the behaviour of a very small minority of residents that has led to the current situation and we again want to thank those of you not involved for your cooperation and support.”

Royal Mail spokesperson Sally Hopkins said: “Royal Mail is attempting to resume deliveries to residents in Holly Road from today, in co-operation with the police.

“We continue to work with the police and council representatives to ensure our postmen and women can deliver safely to these addresses.”

[Lounge Lizard]

Risca's obviously a risk.