I am asking local people to take part in an online survey about postal deliveries as concerns about the standard of service across the town continue. You can also write in or call my office to share your experience.
As Herald readers will know, I have previously raised the problem with Royal Mail because people are not receiving post for days on end and missing important appointments or documents.
To fully understand the extent of the problem, I am launching the survey to accurately collate people’s experiences with postal delays and where they are happening.
The survey comes ahead of myself and my East Sussex colleagues meeting with Royal Mail’s regional manager John Doyle responsible for operations next week.
Our posties remain much loved across our communities and are doing the best they can when challenged by sickness and vacancies. Local managers have been responsive when I have raised specific addresses but I do need comprehensive evidence to give to Royal Mail about the size and scope of this problem.
I visited our delivery office before Christmas to meet with managers and staff and I was reassured post, such as NHS letters and special deliveries, are prioritised.
It was obvious from the number of parcels awaiting delivery just how changed the Royal Mail’s business model is with far fewer letters now posted and the parcel element growing enormously.
Royal Mail has told me that to safeguard the universal service obligation, the ‘one price goes anywhere’ principle of affordable postal services, it wants a five-day a week delivery obligation rather than the present six-day legal commitment.
I have previously said I would only support such a move if it came with guarantees of a more reliable service Monday to Friday.
Until then, a picture of what is happening or not happening post-wise is needed. Please take part in my survey so I can point out what is happening and where.
I can then hold Royal Mail more effectively to account district-by-district if it does not improve.
Survey results are invaluable to my work for the town, so a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the survey on a default speed of 20 mile per hour. Results out next week.
