At a Glance
- Residents in parts of Essex report waiting weeks for post
- Some have had to collect mail directly from sorting offices
- Concerns raised over impact on medical appointments and urgent correspondence
- Issue comes amid a change in Royal Mail’s ownership
Residents across parts of Essex are raising serious concerns over ongoing delays to Royal Mail deliveries, with some reporting that regular post is no longer being delivered at all.
In Hawkwell and Ashingdon, residents say they have been left waiting more than two weeks for mail to arrive, prompting some to travel to local sorting offices to collect their post in person. According to residents who have spoken directly with postmen, the lack of regular deliveries is being blamed on staffing shortages and limited resources.
Emma Wynne-Morgan said the situation has become deeply worrying, particularly for those waiting on time-sensitive or essential correspondence.
She said:
“I am extremely concerned by the ongoing disruption to postal services in Hawkwell and Ashingdon. Residents are reporting long delays, including people waiting for urgent medical appointments and important correspondence. Being forced to collect post from a sorting office after weeks without delivery is simply unacceptable.”
Questions have also been raised over staffing levels, with residents pointing out that shortages are being cited at a time when many people are struggling to find work.
The concerns come following a major change in Royal Mail’s ownership. Royal Mail is now owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský through his company EP Group, part of EPH, after completing the takeover of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services. The deal was approved by UK shareholders and the government and was finalised between April and June 2025.
The takeover marked the first time in Royal Mail’s 500-year history that control of the organisation has passed to a foreign owner. Royal Mail is no longer publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange, although the UK government retains a “golden share”, requiring approval for any major future changes to ownership, headquarters or tax residency.
Residents and local representatives are now calling for clarity on what steps are being taken to restore reliable postal deliveries and ensure communities are not left without access to essential services.