Mail moans soar

That brings the total to 24 since we highlighted the problem two weeks ago.

The Royal Mail, which recently said no complaints had been received, has now taken up the matter.

A spokesman said: "We are disappointed to hear of your readers concerns about mail mis-delivery.

"These concerns have now been raised with the delivery office manager, who has discussed them with the relevant postmen and women.

"Should residents experience further problems with mis-delivery, they should notify Royal Mail on 08457 740 740 with full details such as the date of the mis-delivery, their address and the address the mail was intended for."

Retired teacher John Hamilton-Stacey, of Warwick Road, tells us he often gets other people s mail. He said: "I ve also had 10 of my letters lost in the post in the last year."

Last month a Royal Mail Press officer maintained customer services had no complaints. Our readers said otherwise, some insisting they complained months ago, with no response.

Letters, faxes and e-mails are arriving at our office complaining about mail mix-ups and lost letters.

We are forwarding them to the Royal Mail for investigation. You can also contact them on 08457 740 740.

Two weeks ago we cited cases of letters wrongly delivered in 10 Bexhill streets. They were the tip of the iceberg.

Last week residents complained of wrongly delivered letters in Warwick Road, Buxton Drive, Bedford Avenue and Grange Court Drive.

This week we can add Elsted Road, Minsted Square, Withyham Road, The Gorses, Sutherland Avenue, Terminus Road, Terminus Avenue, The Ridings and Hillcrest Avenue.

Residents are unhappy with postal deliveries in all 24 roads.

The Observer averages at least two wrongly delivered letters a week. Our staff re-deliver them.

We tested the Royal Mail complaints system after some readers told us they got an answerphone when they dialled to complain.

We rang at 9.10am on Tuesday. After two minutes of classical music our call was answered by a helpful Nick George in customer services.

He promised to instigate an inquiry by alerting the Bexhill delivery office manager by letter of a problem on one of the walks and asking for the postman concerned to be spoken to.

If the service did not improve, the area manager would be asked to "chase the delivery manager".

Mr George said he never phoned, faxed or e-mailed delivery offices. I am confident that letters I send get there. Faxes often go astray and the Royal Mail does not have e-mail."

Let us know if you are experiencing problems over mis-directed mail.

Phone us on 01424 730555, fax us on 01424 730832, e-mail us on [email protected] or write to us at 18 Sackville Road.