Mail services better but still bad

IPSWICH'S post improved last year – but is still one of the worst in the country.

Figures released today showed first-class mail in the IP postcode just scraped into the bare minimum expected by watchdogs Postwatch.

A one per cent improvement in next day delivery nudged results over the crucial 90pc mark – but still left Ipswich the country's 11th worst post code.

And despite the slight rise in performance, the IP code has fallen one place in the list of national postal shame.

Postwatch is demanding a much bigger improvement of 2.5pc next year to bring Ipswich up to nationwide targets.

National performance figures revealed up to one million first-class letters are delivered late every day.

And while praising an improved financial situation, Postwatch's East of England chairman Dr Charles Winstanley said customers had a right to expect better.

He said: "Customers in the east of England will remain concerned that, although improving, standards of service are still short of target at a time when prices have increased."

Royal Mail failed to reach 80 per cent of its delivery targets - twice as many as in the previous year.

Targets for first and second-class post and its heavily advertised special delivery service were all missed.

But a Royal Mail spokeswoman said the figures were "misleading." She claimed service was improving and said first-class results were the best for seven years.

She said: "We're not saying we've done brilliantly, but some of the targets were missed very narrowly.

"The cumulative results for the whole year do demonstrate an improvement."

Postwatch chairman Peter Carr said: "These targets are minimum standards and although some progress has been made, this has been a year with virtually no strikes or severe weather conditions to hamper delivery."

Postal services regulator Postcomm will now decide whether to fine Royal Mail for its poor performance.