Risca residents look set to see mail return to flats, after a ten month postal strike by Royal Mail

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AFTER 10 months, more than 80 residents finally look set to see the return of mail at blocks of flats in Risca.

Royal Mail halted deliveries in June last year due to, it said, “crime in the area”.

But following a public outcry, Caerphilly County Borough Council announced in December that Caerphilly Homes would install ground-level mailboxes in an effort to solve the issue.

And now residents have reported workers arrived a few days ago to install the mailboxes, which have been placed under the staircase of each block.


One of them, Chester Chaffey, who has been outspoken throughout the ordeal, said: “They have told me post will be starting back in the next two weeks.”

Despite this, he said he was still frustrated by the entire situation.

“I am relieved that we can now move forward,” added the 72-year-old. “But we have been without post for nine whole months. People have missed hospital appointments and other important events.

“Why has it taken this length of time?”

Following an initial halt on post last year, Royal Mail attempted to resume deliveries weeks later, only to go on strike again when an employee - working with a police escort - was said to have been verbally abused.

Residents were then told they would have to travel to pick up their post five miles away in Abercarn until the issue was resolved.

But following the decision to install the communal mailboxes the council said Royal Mail had indicated it would recommence deliveries three days a week, and increase this to a six day service if a two week pilot proved successful.

Sue Blake, who lives in the area, said: “My box was fitted in yesterday.

“I honestly thought this would not happen but am so relieved it has.”

Fellow resident Will Morgan called the situation “stressful”, but said he was also pleased it had been resolved.

A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council thanked residents for their patients regarding the matter.

He said: “We welcome the installation of the new mail boxes and would like to thank the tenants for their patience over the past few months.

“Discussions are continuing with the Royal Mail to reinstate deliveries as quickly as possible in the best interests of all concerned.”

Royal Mail was contacted for comment.

[cantonkid1955]

No news on whether the thug who abused the postman was spoken to about his antisocial behaviour then..it really annoys me that people always slag off the essential services for withdrawing their services after they have been attacked and abused rather than rounding up on the thugs and scumbags who terrorise the genuine law abiding people who always suffer.