SICKNESS absences, vacancies and an increased demand during the Christmas period are all contributing to postal problems in Basingstoke and Deane, according to Royal Mail.

As previously reported, Royal Mail announced on Monday, December 11 that parts of Basingstoke and Deane are experiencing disruption to deliveries.

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It advised customers that the postcode areas of RG21 to RG26, which includes Basingstoke and Tadley, along with RG28 postcodes in Whitchurch, “may experience disruption to deliveries due to resourcing issues at the Basingstoke Delivery Office”.

It apologised to customers for “any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding”.

Asked for further information about what the resourcing issues are and how long they are expected to last, a spokesperson for Royal Mail told the Gazette: “There are temporary delays in the area, in part caused by sick absences, vacancies, and the increased demand of the peak Christmas period.

"Local teams are working hard to ensure deliveries are consistent and reliable. We have measures in place to help improve the service moving forward.

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“Mail continues to be delivered to homes daily in the area. If a person does not receive their mail on the day they expect, such as if a route is not completed, we will prioritise this area the following day to ensure any delay is kept to a minimum.”

Royal Mail said it will inform customers “when the resourcing issues have improved”.

Have you experienced problems with postal deliveries in Basingstoke and Deane? Get in touch by emailing Emily.roberts@newsquest.co.uk.