Related Articles
‘People rely on the postal service, and when it fails, the consequences are serious’
Royal Mail bosses have been hauled in for urgent talks with a Government minister after Rochdale’s MP raised concerns over the ‘shocking’ state of postal services across the borough.
Labour and Co-operative MP Paul Waugh said there has been a surge in residents reporting post arriving weeks late, or not turning up at all – including hospital appointment letters, bills and parking fines.
The issue has now been raised to Post Office Minister Blair McDougall, who has agreed to summon senior Royal Mail managers to account for the problems and work on improvements.
Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1
Mr Waugh said the delays were causing ‘real distress’ for residents, particularly older people and families relying on time-sensitive post. He said: “The situation simply is not good enough. I have made it absolutely clear to the Minister that residents in Rochdale are missing vital post, including doctor’s appointments and official notices that affect their daily lives.
“People rely on the postal service, and when it fails, the consequences are serious.”
In a video shared on social media, Mr McDougall confirmed that action was being taken. He said: “People really rely on the post in Rochdale, as they do everywhere in the country. Thanks to Paul for raising these issues with me directly.
“I have called in the management of Royal Mail to my office next week to make it clear that this situation is not acceptable, and to demand answers and action.”
Mr Waugh also stressed that the problems are not down to frontline staff, but added that ongoing staff shortages were continuing to affect services.
“Royal Mail has repeatedly assured us that more staff would be deployed in Rochdale, yet we have still seen no clear timetable or firm numbers,” he said. “That lack of accountability cannot continue.”
“I will keep holding Royal Mail to account, alongside the Minister, until Rochdale gets the reliable postal service that people expect and deserve,” the MP added.
Responding to concerns, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We understand how concerning it is when people are waiting for important mail and we’re sorry for the inconvenience experienced by those who have been affected by delays.
“We want to reassure that the vast majority of mail is delivered as expected. Where issues do arise, they are typically limited to individual routes or delivery areas. In those cases, performance is reviewed daily, additional support is put in place and changes are made to improve service, with action taken to restore regular deliveries as quickly as possible.”
Source link
