Royal Mail deny Streatham post backlog

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news ... acklog.php

Despite Royal Mail claims that the backlog at Streatham Delivery Office has cleared, some residents are still waiting for post from nearly two months ago.

The Prentis Road office, which serves the SW16 postcode, was estimated to contain a million letters and parcels after official and wildcat strikes in October.

On November 9 an agreement was made between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) to provide extra resources and overtime to tackle the massive backlog.

Greg Charles, branch secretary of south-west London CWU, then said it would take two weeks after the deal for services to return to normal.

The Streatham Guardian decided to put this to the test and sent two letters to SW16 at midday last Thursday.

Paulo Dias, from Norbury Crescent in Norbury, received his letter on Saturday. "Things are improving but it seems small letters get through the system quickly and heavier post takes longer," he said.

"I think the backlog's still there, even if new items are coming in on time. I'm waiting for at least two parcels sent to me in early October.

"But the workers are making an effort and have made Sunday deliveries."

Richard Chadwick, from Farm Avenue in Streatham, was surprised to get his letter the day after it was sent. In the midst of the delays waited for pain relief tablets for weeks and only received them 14 days after they were sent by recorded delivery.

"The situation is better but not 100 per cent," he said. "I think workers are dealing with current post first and gradually with the backlog. There are still long queues outside the office.

But Greg Charles said only a "small amount of parcels" remained from the backlog, which he said should be cleared by the end of this week.

"I believe we're now on top of it," he said. "There's always an explosion of parcels to deliver at this time of year because of Christmas presents ordered from websites."

And a Royal Mail spokesman insisted there is no backlog left, saying it was "absolutely clear".