Royal Mail customers in Bridgwater, Somerset, have been queuing for hours to collect essential mail, with some reporting no deliveries for up to six weeks. The disruptions have led to delays in receiving vital items such as prescription medications, bank statements, and credit cards.
Fed-up residents described the queues outside the Friarn Street delivery office as "horrendous." Due to the backlog, customers were allocated two-hour time slots between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to collect their post.
Tina Hucker, a 56-year-old support worker, spent her day off waiting in line to check on her prescription medications. "I've come here several times and the queues have been horrendous," Hucker said. "I don't want to over-order meds if they're just sat here."
Jerry Lomax, another resident, is awaiting a credit card he needs to activate before it becomes void. "They keep telling me I need to activate it, otherwise they're going to null and void it," he stated. Lomax expressed concern about managing collections due to work commitments and an upcoming holiday.
Retiree Jon Smith, 75, reported not receiving mail for three to four weeks and learned that post was being held for collection. "I've been waiting for different things like bank statements," Smith said.
Concerns have also been raised about the accessibility of the collection process for elderly and disabled residents. Kieron and Shannon, a couple living in the area, noted the inconvenience and potential safety issues for those unable to wait in long queues by a busy road.
"I got an email from Royal Mail saying I need to come and collect my parcel - they didn't even try and deliver it," Shannon added, indicating that some parcels were not being attempted for delivery.
Simon Reynolds stated he last received a letter six weeks ago. He claimed his local postman indicated that extra rounds had been added to his route, suggesting increased delivery workloads.
A Royal Mail spokesperson acknowledged that short-term staff sickness had impacted deliveries in parts of Bridgwater. "We know how important it is that customers receive their mail when expected and take concerns about deliveries very seriously," the spokesperson said.
The company stated that additional staffing has been deployed and efforts are underway to clear the outstanding mail. Royal Mail anticipates that services in the affected areas will return to normal within the coming week.
