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Terry Kenny, who lives in Knighton-on-Teme, said both he and his neighbours have been experiencing the delays, which left him with no choice but to go to the depot and pick up 40 letters and postal items, some of which were Christmas cards he hadn’t received.
Mr Kenny said local postal staff were not to blame, explaining that when he visited the sorting office, he could see they were “pulling their hair out” and struggling due to a lack of resources during this particularly busy time of year.
He added that staff are always helpful and polite, but they are “just up to their eyes in it”, and believes the problems have stemmed from “further up the tree”.
Mr Kenny confirmed that he received some post on Saturday, December 27.
Dame Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said she had received dozens of complaints from constituents, and after “repeatedly” raising concerns with Royal Mail, she had been told the delays were due to both staff shortages and an “overwhelming demand” that had led to parcels being prioritised.
The MP said some residents had been left waiting for important documents, such as hospital appointment letters
“We all appreciate our hardworking local posties, especially over the busy Christmas period. However, for many weeks now I have heard from constituents who are not receiving their hospital appointment reminders, magazine subscriptions or Christmas cards in a timely manner.
“I have called on Royal Mail to review how it resources its local operations as this problem appears to be becoming more and more widespread and risks ruining Christmas for my constituents.
“The cost of stamps went up again this year and it has been worrying to hear anecdotes of understaffing, contingency working and delivery offices prioritising tracked parcels at the expense of letters.
“I remind the new owners of Royal Mail of their Universal Service Obligation that requires them to provide reliable deliveries, and Ofcom has the power to fine them for breaches.”
Royal Mail was contacted for comment.
