A LOCAL councillor has backed residents’ concerns after they were reportedly left without mail for almost a month.

Locals in and around the Worsbrough area have recently been complaining that their mail has not been arriving as normal - with many left waiting weeks for letters that they were expecting.

It’s reportedly resulted in residents missing hospital appointments and Coun Jake Lodge, who represents the Worsbrough ward, has vowed to support those who feel the service has been sub-standard.

Barnsley’s Royal Mail delivery office has understandably been busy due to the number of parcels they are receiving during the festive period.

But Coun Lodge is hoping more can be done to ensure letters arrive on time.

He said: “The lack of postal deliveries and the prioritising of parcels is incredibly frustrating for residents across Worsbrough.

“I’ve had stories of people missing urgent medical appointments, incurring late payment fees and much more because their mail isn’t getting to them.

“I have contacted Royal Mail but haven’t received a response.

“I’d urge all those affected to not take it out on our local posties, many of whom are doing all they can to help where possible.”

Ofcom has previously looked into claims that Royal Mail instructs the prioritisation of parcels over letters and found no evidence.

They say their job is to deliver every item within the timescale customers have paid for.

They are typically older buildings built for a time where letters were the primary item.

Now with the increase in parcels, and them taking up far more space than letters, their large numbers can block walkways and create health and safety risks.

In those moments, clearing parcels first is sometimes necessary to keep offices safe and to ensure all mail, including letters, continues to move through the network, Royal Mail say.

A spokesperson added: “We know how important letters and parcels are, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

“This is our busiest time of year, with mail volumes more than doubling, but the vast majority of items continue to be delivered on time.

“Where there is disruption, we work to resolve it as quickly as possible and keep services moving.

“Last year, 99 per cent of items posted by the last recommended posting dates were delivered in time for Christmas, and we’re grateful to our posties for their efforts during this exceptionally busy period.”

Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis recently paid a visit to the Barnsley delivery office and said there was a ‘whirlwind’ of activity taking place.

He added: “It was great to visit the Royal Mail delivery office in Barnsley and thank our brilliant posties who go above and beyond at this time of year.

“There’s a whirlwind of organised activity as they race to get post out before Christmas - keep up the good work.

“A gentle reminder - please keep dogs secure so they can deliver safely.”