ROYAL Mail was slated this week by local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger for failing to make daily deliveries in parts of West Somerset and Exmoor.

Mr Liddell-Grainger is demanding an explanation from the company for letting down local residents and businesses.

He said some constituents had reported going for as long as four days without receiving mail - apparently as a result of staff shortages.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said the situation was ‘intolerable’ and he had asked Royal Mail what it intended to do to put the situation right.

He said: “We may live in an age where we can communicate with each other over the internet in a matter of seconds, but you cannot send everything by email and there are many, many people who still rely on a dependable postal service.

“Royal Mail is failing to provide that, despite being mandated to do so.

“I am in no way criticising postal staff, the responsibility for this failing lies with the bosses.

“If indeed this problem as I have been led to believe is down to staff shortages, then I want to know what Royal Mail is doing to recruit new delivery personnel and how soon it anticipates being able to restore full service.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are very sorry some residents have experienced delays.

“This is an important issue, and when delays occur every effort is made to ensure affected post is delivered and the reasons behind the delays are addressed.

“For example, at our delivery office in Bridgwater our local service has been impacted by resourcing issues, and a higher number of absences than usual.

“To resolve this, there are plans such as future recruitment, to ensure sufficient resources are in place to manage our anticipated workload.

“Across our service, deliveries are being made six days a week when there is mail to be delivered.

“When a particular route experiences delays, we will prioritise that route the next day to ensure the majority of customers never experience a delay of more than one day.

“We encourage anybody with concerns about the delivery of their mail to please contact customer service on 03457 740 740 or via www.royalmail.com.”