A MODERNISATION programme being rolled out by Royal Mail has been blamed for residents in Thorpe Bay getting their post delivered in the evening.

Elaine Bridge, who works for the office of the chairman and chief executive of Royal Mail said that a number of new delivery practices have been implemented in Southend and are part of a UK wide programme to make the company more efficient and sustainable.

The changes have been introduced on a phased basis and have led to the introduction of new and modern equipment and reorganisation of delivery routes.

She assured residents in Thorpe Hall Avenue that a number of further changes have been implemented in Southend to improve the level of service.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, who wrote to the company expressing concerns about mail delivery in the area, said: “I am reassured by the reply I have received and I am hopeful that the residents of Thorpe Bay should see an improved service from Royal Mail.

“If the problems that were being experienced previously do not improve then I urge residents to contact me and I will make further representations to Royal Mail.”