Royal Mail explains reason for delivery delays in Bradford district town

ROYAL Mail has explained why there has been delivery delays in a Bradford district town.

It comes after some residents claimed they are missing crucial post.

Homeowners in Baildon have this week contacted the Telegraph & Argus to complain about mail not being received in a “timely manner”.

Why have there been Royal Mail delivery delays in Baildon?

Royal Mail told the Telegraph & Argus the Baildon delivery office has “recently experienced unusually high levels of sick absence, which has affected some routes”.

The company insisted that the “overwhelming majority of mail is being delivered on time”.

‘It’s not good enough’

In a letter to the T&A earlier this week, Michael Leahy, of Baildon, said: “Royal Mail has started advertising on television in the run-up to Christmas, and they give no indication of their first and second class services.

“Just as well as for the last few weeks their service here in BD17 seems to be down to once a week.

“I mentioned this in my local Post Office only to be told that this is usual in the period before Christmas.

“I recall in my youth joining the ranks of young people working in the pre-Christmas period delivering mail.”

Man ‘not received any post in last three weeks’

Another Baildon man, who asked not to be named, told the T&A he had not received any post for the last three weeks – but on Tuesday “they all arrived on the mat”. Royal Mail told the T&A it “does not recognise suggestions of a three-week gap in service”.

The man added: “It’s not good enough.

“People – including me and my neighbours – are missing out on important letters and other things being delivered in a timely manner.

“What’s going on?”

Response from Royal Mail

The T&A contacted Royal Mail about this matter.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We take any reports of delay seriously and will investigate any concerns raised locally.

“In Baildon, the delivery office has recently experienced unusually high levels of sick absence, which has affected some routes.

“While there have been delivery issues, we do not recognise suggestions of a three-week gap in service.

“Several colleagues are now returning and further support is in place to help stabilise the operation.

“We want to reassure customers that the overwhelming majority of mail is being delivered on time, and where a route is affected we prioritise any delayed items the following day.

“As we approach the busy Christmas period, our teams are working hard to keep deliveries consistent and reliable.”