New postal routes to be rolled out in shake-up

New postal delivery routes are being rolled out across the West Midlands and Staffordshire as part of an overhaul of services in the region.

Changes to the mail delivery service are being introduced by Royal Mail over the next 18 months, starting in Dudley, where the changes have already started being implemented. As well as alterations to routes, more postal workers are set to head out on their rounds in vans or with a trolley to deliver items rather than using traditional mail bags.

Bosses said the changes were being made because fewer letters are being posted, with more larger items such as parcels going through the mail system which can be difficult for postmen to carry in their bags.

It is not known when the new routes will be rolled out elsewhere in the region.

The changes in Dudley won't lead to a reduction in the number of workers and the number of routes will be the same.

However, some householders who were at the start of a route may now find themselves at the end of one.

Although Royal Mail says many customers will continue to get their mail by lunchtime, the time will depend on where they are on the new delivery route.