Post. That traditional, paper heavy, delivery of old fashioned ‘snail-mail’. In this modern world of emails, WhatsApp and text messaging, it sometimes seems amazing that what was created by Kidderminster’s Roland Hill – the penny post – is still a thing. But it is.
Over the last few months, I’ve had a lot of complaints about Royal Mail’s service. And it’s been pretty poor locally. Actually, it’s been pretty poor nationally, and Royal Mail’s new owners have been under a lot of scrutiny from Parliament and OFCOM.
But its been really bad locally, and even trying to get a meeting with the local sorting offices has taken three months. But the good news is that I met with the regional director last week to find out what is going on.
OFCOM has ordered Royal Mail to deliver a new service that reflects modern demands and expectations. First class letters will be delivered on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday. Second class will be delivered on alternate days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, week 1; Tuesday and Thursday week 2). And the budget level post, that is expected to be delivered in 5 days, will be delivered on Fridays.
Royal Mail have to deliver this, but there have been teething problems. First, the Communication Workers Union needed to approve and negotiate new working conditions. Then Royal Mail has to make sure there is enough staff to deliver – literally – the services. And finally, any change in a complex structure takes time.
Royal Mail locally accept that they have let people down. I have shared a list of the postcodes that seem to be most badly affected, where people have complained. They will look at the specifics. And they are sorry.
But there is a way we can help Royal Mail improve.
If local residents get a late letter, please keep the envelope, make a not on the envelope of when it was sent and when it was delivered, and then pass it on to me. There is a code on every letter that Royal Mail print and they will be able to see what the problem has been.
The new changes will be in place by October at the latest. I know many will be angry at that.
But can I finish on a positive note. The post men and women, who deliver the letters are a part of our community. They often pick up problems and despite the system in the background being less than perfect, I want to extend a huge thank you to the friendly posties.
