Appeal for Newport to get missed post pick-up point

For years, people in Newport have not been able to pick up missed parcel deliveries from the town's post office. Instead they had to travel to Oakengates to collect items or arrange to have them redelivered.

It was hoped that when the post office moved into the Card n Play shop in the High Street earlier this year a collection point would be provided.

But that was not to be and, after receiving many complaints about the service, a town councillor is calling for townsfolk to lobby Royal Mail bosses for action.

Telford & Wrekin councillor Peter Scott said: "I am getting a lot of complaints about residents having to travel over to the Oakengates sorting office instead of being able to collect from Card n Play in Newport High Street.

"When the post office moved from its previous location, we were told that a service would exist where we could collect undelivered parcels from the new site.

"Royal Mail have since changed their minds on this.

"It would not cost them a lot of effort, time or money to allow Newport residents to collect undelivered parcels from the Card n Play site. I am asking them to reconsider their position on this as a round trip to Oakengates is not easy for many of us, especially the elderly."

"I appreciate there are other methods available but I am asking that we can also collect locally instead of having to travel.

"I now think it is time that we need to lobby both the Post Office and Royal Mail to get this sorted out."

Val Bodden, Royal Mail spokeswoman, refuted the claim that customers are forced to travel out of town in the event of missing a delivery.

She said: "Customers do not have to travel to Oakengates delivery office to pick up parcels. If they are not at home, Royal Mail leaves a Something for You card. Royal Mail offers items to be redelivered free to their address on a preferred day. Royal Mail also operates a delivery-to-neighbour and designated-neighbour service where the postman will leave your item with a neighbour or designated neighbour. Collection is also offered from a nearby Post Office branch.

"If customers have any queries they can call our customer services team on 03457 740740.

"Full details of Royal Mail's redelivery options can also be found at www.royalmail.com/redelivery."