Royal Mail ‘modernisation’ plan extended to Lewes area (From The Argus)

Royal Mail ‘modernisation’ plan extended to Lewes area

1:50pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Bill Gardner

Changes to postal deliveries that led to chaos in Brighton and Hove are to be introduced in the towns and villages near Lewes.

The Royal Mail has revealed it will replace its current delivery routes in and around the town as part of a modernisation plan.

Instead of having mail delivered in the morning, customers in the BN7 and BN8 postcode areas will now get their post throughout the day.

Post Office bosses admitted many residents and businesses could have their first class post delivered as late as 3pm.

The affected area stretches from Falmer to East Hoathly and includes Lewes, Ringmer and North Chailey.

It is home to more than 37,000 people.

When similar changes were made to the routes in Brighton postal services became chaotic, with reports of parcels stacked up in the North Road sorting office for weeks as staff struggled to complete deliveries.

In response The Argus launched its Sort It Out campaign to put pressure on Royal Mail bosses to tackle the delays.

Modernising operation

The company says the changes are necessary to modernise the way it operates and to keep prices as low as possible.

It says the changes will require a period of adjustment but that it will do everything possible to maintain a good service.

Letters are being sent to explain the changes.

Royal Mail’s collections and delivery sector manager, Irene Scott, said: “We are proud of the high regard in which our postmen and women are held in Lewes.

“The local delivery team and I are fully committed to providing a high quality of service that is as reliable and friendly as customers have come to expect from Royal Mail over many years.”

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