First class mail deliveries improve

MORE first class mail is being delivered on time following a push from Royal Mail to improve its performance in the region.

Independent tests have shown an improvement in first class mail reaching its destination the next working day in the Colchester, Ipswich, Chelmsford, Norwich and Cambridge postcode areas since the first quarter of this financial year.

Royal Mail's latest quality of service results showed compared the amount of first class mail was delivered on time between October and December last year, compared with between April and June 2004. The results were:

n Cambridge postcode - up 6.4% from 84.2% to 90.7%

n Chelmsford postcode - up 3.9% from 86.7% to 90.6%

n Colchester postcode - up 3.3% from 89.8% to 93.1%

n Ipswich postcode - up 2.1% from 89.7% to 91.8%

n Norwich postcode - up 1.7% from 86.7% to 88.4%.

Roger Baynes, Royal Mail's eastern territories director, said: "These are extremely encouraging results for everyone in Royal Mail and for our customers. However, we know we have more to do.

"Our people have continued to work hard week in, week out to bring stability back to the business after the massive, but essential changes introduced last year.

"We are seeing continued improvements in all postcodes in the eastern region compared to the start of the financial year.

"Our quality of service remains the top priority for everyone in Royal Mail. It will never be enough to simply return to profitability - we are determined that the service our customers receive should also be demonstrably the best in the market."

The quality of service ratings are compiled by independent researchers who conduct tests by posting about 100,000 letters, packets and parcels each month. Postal services watchdog Postwatch praised Royal Mail for its performance.