Inquiry over missing post

A Royal Mail employee has been suspended after thousands of letters and packages went undelivered in a Staffordshire village.

The worker, who has not been identified, has been suspended from the Landywood Delivery Office in Great Wyrley after being accused of willfully delaying mail.

More than 4,500 items have been found by Royal Mail staff who are now carrying out an investigation into the allegations.

It is believed the undelivered mail dates back as far as August 2007 and includes items such as personal letters, bank statements and medical correspondence.

All of the undelivered mail has now been sent to residents with a letter of explanation and apology. Joanne Moorcroft, one of those affected, claims complaints over missing mail went unheeded by Royal Mail.

The mother of two said: "I knew my mail wasn't being delivered and when I told them they said it was impossible. I want to know what this person has been doing with my mail."

Mrs Moorcroft said she has had to pay out after being charged for late payments because she did not receive any statements.

She said: "When you ring banks and shops and say you haven't had their letters they think you are a liar."

Jane Thomas, spokeswoman for the Royal Mail, said: "The recovered mail totals approximately 4,500 items. All of it has now been delivered with letters of explanation and apology to our customers."

She said police were not yet involved as the Mail's investigation was on-going.