Call for investigation into Royal Mail’s 'persistent' letter delivery failures in Derry

There has been a call for a formal investigation into Royal Mail’s persistent letter delivery failures in Derry.

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy said urgent action is needed to address a 'worsening backlog' of letters at Royal Mail's city centre sorting office.

The Foyle MLA said: “Urgent action is clearly needed to address a worsening backlog of letter deliveries in Derry which is impacting on crucial medical appointments and other sensitive correspondence.

“Despite this, staff have told me that Royal Mail continues to prioritise parcels over letters with the result that many people are missing vital hospital appointment letters, financial information and other time bound and sensitive information.  

“On a recent visit to the sorting office in Derry, staff informed me that letters are sometimes waiting 9-10 days before delivery. They also noted that overtime has been curtailed and holiday periods often left uncovered meaning that the backlog will only continue to worsen.

“That simply isn’t good enough and I have written to both Ofcom and the Consumer Council asking them to launch an investigation into this situation and how it is impacting on people and businesses in Derry.

“This already unacceptable situation cannot be allowed to continue to deteriorate and I hope Ofcom and the Consumer Council will now urgently investigate to ensure that Royal Mail uphold their public service obligation to customers.”