Royal Mail senior management have been hauled in for urgent talks after Rochdale MP Paul Waugh demanded answers over widespread mail delays affecting residents across the borough.
The intervention follows ongoing issues raised by constituents and fellow MP Elsie Blundell, who has repeatedly called for improvements in Heywood and Middleton North. Despite her efforts, delays have continued, prompting Mr Waugh to step in and escalate the matter.
Residents across Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton have reported going weeks without receiving post, with some waiting up to a month for vital documents, including hospital appointments, legal notices, and bills. One elderly resident told the Manchester Evening News in late 2025 that she had not received a post in five weeks, and others reported missed medical letters, causing distress.
After meeting with Minister for Postal Services Blair McDougall, Mr Waugh confirmed that Royal Mail bosses would now be summoned to account for the service failures.
“The situation simply is not good enough,” he said. “I’ve made it clear to the Minister that residents are missing vital post, and the consequences are serious, especially for older and vulnerable people.”
In a video message recorded alongside Mr Waugh, the Minister said:
“People really rely on the post in Rochdale, as they do everywhere in the country. Thanks to Paul for raising these issues with me directly. I’ve called in Royal Mail management to make it clear this situation is not acceptable and to demand action.”
While acknowledging the work of local postal workers, Mr Waugh criticised Royal Mail’s leadership for repeated failures to deliver on promises of extra staffing in the area. “Our postmen and women are doing the best they can,” he said. “But they’re overstretched, and the organisation has not provided a clear timetable or accountability.”
Royal Mail has blamed staffing shortages in some areas, but local residents say the scale and duration of the disruption has gone beyond occasional delays.
MP for Heywood and Middleton North, Elsie Blundell, has also been vocal on the issue for months. She raised the matter in correspondence and public forums, citing concerns over residents missing medical care and facing penalties for late bill payments. However, this is the first time the government has confirmed direct ministerial intervention.
Mr Waugh said he would continue pressing for improvements:
“I will keep holding Royal Mail to account, alongside the Minister, until Rochdale gets the reliable postal service that people expect and deserve.”
Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.
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