Grays residents waiting weeks for post and deliveries due to Covid-19 delays

Some residents in Essex have been waiting for their post and deliveries ‘for weeks’ due to Covid-19 delays.

A number of residents living in Grays in Thurrock have reported not receiving their letters and packages for up to two weeks.

Royal Mail explained that the increase in Christmas shopping and ongoing restrictions have led to exceptionally high volumes of deliveries.

They explained that since the beginning of the pandemic, there has always been a risk of reduced service due to Covid-related absences and social distancing measures.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “Throughout the pandemic, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.

“From the start of this crisis, we have always said that despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas of the country may experience a reduction in service levels due to COVID-related absences and necessary social distancing measures at local mail centres and delivery offices.

“The combination of greatly increased uptake of online Christmas shopping, in no small part driven by the recent lockdown, and the ongoing COVID restrictions mean that all delivery companies are experiencing exceptionally high volumes this year.”

They added: “Every single parcel, letter and card is important to us.

“We remain grateful to all our customers for their patience and understanding as our dedicated workforce work hard to deliver these exceptional volumes, whilst also adhering to necessary social distancing measures.”