THERE has been a further recruitment drive to tackle postal problems in Andover, the town's MP has said.

As previously reported, residents had been left 'infuriated', 'appalled' and 'concerned' as they have faced significant disruption to their postal deliveries throughout the year.

Residents raised concerns in July about the impact of postal delays on their daily lives, including missed medical appointments, delayed communications, and mounting inconvenience.

On Friday, December 8 MP Kit Malthouse met with senior executives from Royal Mail at Andover sorting office to discuss postal services. 

READ MORE: Royal Mail: MP says delays are 'completely unacceptable'

Andover Advertiser: On Friday, December 8 MP Kit Malthouse brought senior executives from Royal Mail to Andover

Mr Malthouse said: "Senior Royal Mail executives joined me to visit Andover Sorting Office recently where we met the management, posties and members of staff. I’m pleased to see that the local management team has been strengthened and this has resulted in a marked improvement in performance and staff morale in a short period of time. 

"There has also been a further recruitment drive to cover the nine remaining vacancies, and considerable effort is being made to introduce more flexible working hours, to encourage both men and women to apply. Posties have also been given dedicated routes, and if something is not delivered on a particular day, it will be prioritised for the next day."

SEE ALSO: Council leader concerned about 'shockingly bad' post service

He continued: "Most urgently, there is a drive and focus on meeting good standards in the run-up to Christmas. Please make sure you get your Christmas cards and packages in the post in good time this year. All in all, an encouraging visit, we are returning to a reliable postal service, and I will be monitoring progress closely."

A Royal Mail spokesperson said to the Advertiser: “We are committed to recruiting more staff and have already brought in more people to help with the demand. We acknowledge there is work to be done, but our recovery plan is working and things are improving.

“Our efforts in Andover mirror the extensive work we have ongoing nationally to bring the standard of our deliveries to the levels our customers expect. This includes significant permanent and seasonal recruitment, and dedicated teams responsible for identifying postcode areas that need further work and putting resolutions in place. We would welcome applications from anyone who may be interested in a position with Royal Mail. Vacancies can be found at royalmail.com/careers."