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Concerns were raised by Councillor Dave Harris, who said a number of people in Berechurch and Shrub End areas were missing important deliveries, with some even missing NHS appointments because their letters arrived late.
Councillor Harris said: “The residents I’ve been speaking to say its been up to 10 days and one of those wasn’t getting his NHS letters meaning he has missed an appointment.
“It seems to be all across Berechurch, down Mersea Road and in Shrub End. We need to try and persuade management of the post office to employ the right number of staff as we do pay our way with parcels and post.
“Postal votes are coming up with the elections to be held in May and if the post is not up to standard it could be a problem.”
Despite these concerns, Royal Mail insisted there is no build-up.
A spokesperson said: “There is no current build-up of letters in the delivery office, and performance shows any items not delivered on the expected day are delivered within two days.
“Where short-term operational challenges arise, deliveries may be rotated to maintain regular service, ensuring letters continue to be delivered at least every other day.
Despite official reassurances, some Colchester residents remain unconvinced their post is back on track
On social media, locals described their own long waits.
Zena Carden-Edwards commented: “Yes got 10 letters all at once Tuesday…”
Dunja Ashmore wrote: “In Highwoods I went 8 days without a bank card and couldn’t purchase anything during that time; On the 8th day (a Friday afternoon) I caught the postman walking past so went out to ask how much longer I’m likely to wait as really needed food for my kids! – He said there WAS a massive backlog at Eastgates due to lack of posties dealing with mail instead of parcels and said he would go and check for me when he finished his rounds … he came back a few hours later (5.35pm) to hand deliver my new card so I wouldn’t go all weekend without! Faith in humanity restored that day! Hardly ever get actual post but when I do it’s a large amount and some over 2weeks old!!”
Antony Whitehead said: “Waited 9 days for a replacement bank card, and an appointment letter arrived one day after I was due at Colchester Gen. hospital. Thank goodness I also receive text message reminders.”
Peter French commented: “Lucky to get 2 deliveries a week in the rural villages.”
Sam Paterson said: “Haven’t had any post for 2 weeks now. I got a parking fine that was sent Dec 23rd I got it Jan 25th had to appeal as missed the £60 deadline.”
Gemma Gardiner said: “10 days?? Try 10 weeks I get a big pile of letters once every 3 weeks dating back to December.”
Brenda Kimpton said: “Got 7 letters all at once on Wednesday also twice I have had other people’s mail.”
With the May elections approaching, Colchester Council also addressed postal vote worries.
A spokesperson said: “Royal Mail has established special handling procedures for election materials, including prioritised processing of postal votes.
“They also carry out a sweep of sorting offices on polling day evening to collect any last‑minute returns. Royal Mail operates a dedicated postal vote team to address any issues quickly, and we use a business reply service licence so voters do not need to pay postage when returning their packs.
“At present, we have no indication current postal delays will affect the integrity of the May elections, and we will continue to work closely with Royal Mail to ensure voters can participate with confidence.”
