CONCERNS have been raised over long time gaps in Royal Mail's letter delivery service in Middlewich. 

One resident, Steve Burgess, says he’s had noticed up to two-weeks gaps between letter deliveries, and didn’t receive any birthday cards this year until June 16, when his birthday is June 9.

Royal Mail accept customers in Middlewich have been experiencing delays in receiving their letters, but strongly denies there's ever been a two-week gap in their mail service.

Steve says he sees plenty of postal staff around – sometimes two working out of the same van – but adds they're only delivering parcels.

“It’s obvious that parcels take precedence over letters as the Royal Mail have competition in this area, but none with mail," he said. 

“Why have I - on many occasions - seen two postal staff delivering parcels in the same van, when surely one of them could be delivering letters?

“It’s such a waste of resources.

“We have experienced receiving no mail for up to two weeks at a time. 

“I've spoken to our temporary postman who explained they're short staffed, and have been instructed to prioritise parcel deliveries.

“Winsford depot’s claim mail goes out every day to the Middlewich is completely untrue.”

Royal Mail says it's addressing issues in the Middlewich area and hopes to restore satisfactory service soon.

It also denies prioritising one form of post over another.  

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “We are sorry to residents in Middlewich who have experienced delays.

“Improving our quality of service is our top priority and we are committed to restoring service levels to where our customers expect them to be.

“There have been some recent delays to the service in the area.

“However, every effort is being made to ensure post is delivered on time, and those who do not receive their mail on the day they expect will always be prioritised the following day.

“We would like to reassure residents that no address goes two weeks without a delivery and all mail is treated with equal importance.

“We encourage anyone with concerns about the delivery of their mail to please get in touch with Royal Mail customer service on 03457 740 740 or via www.royalmail.com.”