Anger as flats are left without post

Postal workers have not delivered mail to families in a fire-damaged Black Country tower block for over a week – because the lifts have broken down.

Residents of 10-storey St Anne's Court in Willenhall are furious.

They said they are dismayed postal workers have not used the stairs to give them their letters.

Royal Mail today apologised and said deliveries to the premises had been suspended due to concerns over health and safety.

Vandals set fire to a box of rubbish in the lift before sending it up to the top floor, causing extensive damage to a number of homes and corridors on May 3.

The wires of both lifts were also damaged in the blaze, which also saw four families rehoused.

Heart patient Sandra Appleby, aged 69, who has lived in the Rose Hill building for 44 years, said she had been waiting for a letter to arrive for her hospital appointment. "I've never seen a situation like this where the post hasn't been delivered," she said.

Another resident, aged 49, Paul Jay said: "I hope the Royal Mail are hanging their heads in shame over their refusal to deliver the mail while there was no lift. Not even the people on the first floor got their letters."

Royal Mail spokesman Tom Prendergast said deliveries were due to resume at the flats today. "We would like to apologise for the temporary suspension of deliveries," he added.