Royal Mail deliveries: East Oxford delays

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https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19022 ... rd-delays/

PEOPLE are waiting over two weeks to have their parcels delivered.

In East Oxford, residents have said they are waiting more than a fortnight for parcels to be delivered.

After contacting the Royal Mail locals in East Oxford were told to expect parcel deliveries once every two weeks.

One resident, Rupert Cousens, said: "According to a genuine Royal Mail manager answering questions on the Downdetector website, properties in East Oxford are scheduled to receive deliveries just once a fortnight, rather than once a day.

"However, this area is nowhere to be seen on Royal Mail's service update page.

"At this rate of delivery, mail will of course be building up much faster than it can be delivered."

There have been several delays in Royal Mail service over the pandemic period.

Last week residents of the village of Wheatley, near Oxford, complained of 'severely delayed' services only days after its local delivery office closed.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Across the UK, our people are working hard to deliver as comprehensive a service as possible to all our customers in challenging circumstances.

"Despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas of the country may experience a reduction in service levels due to higher volumes of mail during the lockdown, the ongoing impact of COVID-related staff absences and necessary social distancing measures at local mail centres and delivery offices.

"Right from the start of this crisis, we have played a key role keeping the country connected.

"Every single letter and parcel is important to us. Like most organisations, we have a number of employees who are self-isolating in line with government guidance."

Royal Mail said the Government guidance is having a direct impact on its staffing levels particularly in areas where there are higher levels of local outbreaks.

It added that it is working hard to deliver service as normal, drawing in on extra resources and offering overtime where possible.

The spokesperson added: "We remain grateful to all our customers in these areas for their patience and understanding as our dedicated workforce work hard to deliver these exceptional volumes, whilst also adhering to necessary social distancing measures.

"We always endeavour to keep our customers updated on any changes to our services. We have a dedicated section on our website. Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.”