Related Articles
People living in one part of Wirral say they haven’t received any mail for over a week in the lead-up to Christmas.
Royal Mail confirmed it is experiencing some delays “due to COVID-related sickness absence” in the Birkenhead area.
It comes as people across the country have reported delays and problems with their letters and parcels.
READ MORE: Updates as Ava White to be laid to rest as city pays its respects ahead of funeral
Last month, residents in Liscard complained that there hadn’t been a “postie in sight ” after the area was hit by Royal Mail delays.
Answering complaints about the delay in Liscard in November, a Royal Mail spokesperson promised they were dealing with the problem “as quickly as we can”.
This week, residents in Birkenhead and surrounding areas have become the latest victims of the delays, with one resident saying it is a “massive nuisance”.
John Pemberton, 76, who lives on Cranbourne Avenue in Claughton, said it has been around a week since he last received any post.
John told the ECHO : “I haven’t had any post since either last Wednesday or Thursday.
“I’ve spoken to neighbours about it and they’ve said the same.
“My wife has tried calling and was even on the phone to them for half an hour yesterday (Wednesday, December 22) but all you get is ‘ring this, ring that, ring the other’, it’s hopeless.”
The MyWirral newsletter will bring you news from across the borough in a way you’ve never had before.
Whether it’s celebrating people, sharing issues or discussing latest news, our newsletter covers all things Wirral.
Signing up is free and it only takes a minute for you to get the biggest stories, sent straight to your inbox.
How to sign up for a MyWirral Email Update
1) Go to our dedicated newsletter page at this link.
2) Put your email in the box where indicated
3) Tick MyWirral News .
4) Press Save changes and that’s it!
5) There are plenty of other newsletters to choose from too.
John said in all his years of living in Claughton he has never experienced “nothing like this”.
Yesterday, the Wirral man spotted a mail van, which he specified did not belong to Royal Mail, turn into his avenue which is the first time he has seen any delivery services in the street for a week.
John added: “He turned in, got out, went to the first one or two houses and then that was it – he left.
“I know covid has caused havoc, we should be away now but have cancelled, but after nearly two years Royal Mail should be able to manage the problem better.
“I have a load of mail due, Christmas cards, no doubt some bills, and bank stuff due so it really is just an inconvenience.”
Royal Mail, which is understood to employ around 90,000 postmen and postwomen in the UK, said absences are hitting its staff numbers.
In response to the latest delays, a spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “The vast majority of mail is delivered safely and on time. We aim to deliver to all addresses we have mail for, six days a week.
“In the Birkenhead area, we are experiencing some delays to service due to COVID-related sickness absence.
“We are providing targeted support and apologise to customers for any inconvenience they may have experienced.
“Our staff are continuing to work incredibly hard, as they have done throughout the pandemic.
“We are thankful for all of their efforts and determination at the busiest time of year.”
Anyone who has concerns over the delivery of their mail is told to contact the Royal Mail customer service team on 03457 740 740 or via the Royal Mail website www.royalmail.com .
