Havant MP Alan Mak has praised hardworking posties for helping to deliver the Christmas mail on time, after making visits to sorting offices across the constituency.
The local MP made the early start on three separate mornings in order to meet the postmen and women at the Royal Mail sorting offices in Havant, Emsworth and Hayling Island, before they headed off on their rounds.
Many start their shifts in the early hours of the morning in order to sort the extra Christmas post, which is swelled by the many presents that are now ordered online.
The week before Christmas is expected to be the busiest for posties as they make sure everything is delivered before the big day. The last day for First Class Christmas post is Wednesday 21 December.
Mr Mak thanked the workers for all their efforts over the Christmas period, which he says is appreciated by residents.
He said: “For the second year in a row I’ve met our hardworking posties at the crack of dawn before they head out to deliver our Christmas post. It was great to see them striving behind the scenes to make sure everyone gets their post on time. I really enjoyed meeting familiar faces and welcoming new recruits in person to say a big thank you for their hard work all year round, but especially at Christmas.”
Michael Paintin, Havant Delivery Office manager, said: “It was a pleasure to show Alan our Christmas operation again and to hear his kind words of encouragement and support. We are extremely proud of our postmen and women for all their hard work during the Festive Season and for continuing our proud history of delivering Christmas mail.”
The last recommend posting dates for Christmas are:
- Second Class – Tuesday 20 December 2016
- First Class – Wednesday 21 December 2016
- Special Delivery – Thursday 22 December 2016
Customers can also help Royal Mail ensure that all their letters, cards and parcels are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible by taking a few easy steps:
∙ Use a postcode – A clearly addressed card or parcel, with a postcode, and return address on the back of the envelope, will ensure quick and efficient delivery.
∙ Use Special Delivery – For valuable and important packages and parcels guarantee delivery with Royal Mail’s Special Delivery, which means your gift is tracked, traced and insured against loss.
∙ Wrap parcels well and always give a return address
∙ For more information about Royal Mail’s last recommended posting dates, please visit: www.royalmail.com/greetings or call 03457 740 740.
Picture 1: Alan Mak with the posties from the Havant Sorting Office
Picture 2: Alan Mak helping to sort the post with Havant Delivery Office manager Michael Paintin