Thousands hit by delay over new mail system

Thousands hit by delay over new mail system
From CITIZEN, June 18th, 2001

THOUSANDS of people in Gloucester have been hit by postal delays caused by teething problems with a new mail sorting system. One cheque took eight days to travel first class just three miles from Tuffley to the city centre. The Royal Mail is currently testing a new sorting system at its Eastern Avenue premises before its new offices in Quedgeley and Brockworth open. One sorting office worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s a new system and it’s going to take at least six weeks to solve. “A lot of people working on the new system have had just six hours’ training and don’t know what they are doing.” Royal Mail spokesman Adrian Booth revealed that of the 300,000 letters that passed through the city centre each day, around 10,000 were being held up. He claimed this usually delayed letters by around one day. “In preparation for the new office opening they are looking at ways of separating mail,” said Mr Booth. “They are using a new system which has led to more delays but not a great deal.” “There’s a real challenge on as they did not anticipate the difficulties they are having, but they are not going under.” This was no consolation to Eileen Spiers, of Tuffley, who says a £4,000 cheque she sent to her bank on June 4 was not received until June 11. This meant other cheques bounced which caused her anxiety, and a prescription she sent off was also delayed. “If they have problems they should let people know,” she said. Mr Booth apologised for the delay but said it did not fit into the pattern of the other hold-ups. “We would like the opportunity to look at the envelope and we will investigate it further,” he said.