Paul Waugh MP has secured urgent ministerial action after raising serious concerns about Royal Mail’s service in Rochdale, following a surge of complaints from residents about delayed and missing post.
Residents across the borough have contacted Paul to report letters arriving weeks late or not at all, including hospital appointment letters, important bills and parking fines, causing real distress and practical problems for families and older residents in particular.
Paul raised the issue directly with the Minister for Postal Services, Blair McDougall, who has now agreed to summon senior management from Royal Mail to account for the poor service and demand immediate improvements.
Speaking after the meeting, Paul Waugh MP said:
“The situation simply is not good enough. I have made it absolutely clear to the Minister that residents in Rochdale are missing vital post, including doctor’s appointments and official notices that affect their daily lives. People rely on the postal service, and when it fails, the consequences are serious.”
In a video recorded with Paul, the Minister confirmed he would be taking action.
Blair McDougall said:
“People really rely on the post in Rochdale, as they do everywhere in the country. Thanks to Paul for raising these issues with me directly. I have called in the management of Royal Mail to my office next week to make it clear that this situation is not acceptable, and to demand answers and action.”
Paul also stressed that the problems are not the fault of frontline staff.
“Our local postmen and women do a brilliant job in very difficult circumstances, but they are often short staffed. Royal Mail has repeatedly assured us that more staff would be deployed in Rochdale, yet we have still seen no clear timetable or firm numbers. That lack of accountability cannot continue.”
Paul has pledged to keep up the pressure until residents see real improvements on the ground.
“I will keep holding Royal Mail to account, alongside the Minister, until Rochdale gets the reliable postal service that people expect and deserve.”