Royal Mail has assured Watford’s mayor “there will no longer be any delays to the postal service for the foreseeable future”.

Peter Taylor met with local post bosses on Tuesday (December 19) after locals complained to him of long delays, including one who said they received no post between November 22 and December 5.

After the meeting, Mr Taylor shared that he had been assured that there will be “letters every day” and “there will no longer be any delays to the postal service for the foreseeable future”. He was told any delays to mail delivery should not be more than 24 hours.

The mayor said: “This is a top issue at the moment for people contacting my office.

"Letters are often sent by the NHS and people must receive these in good time.

"Mail is so important for people operating their business, but also to send gifts and keep in touch with loved ones over the festive period.

“I'm pleased to hear that our local Watford postal service has now given us the assurance that there will be no further delays, but I will be meeting with them in the new year to go and visit the site, and make sure everything is going as planned.”

A major reason for the long delays was apparently industrial action over the last year creating a backlog. Royal Mail added that it had hired temporary workers to make up for shortfalls.

It also denied allegations it prioritised parcels over letters.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Our teams are working extremely hard to ensure a consistent and reliable service to households in Watford this Christmas.

“To support our staff and meet demand, we have recruited 16,000 seasonal workers, increased our vehicle numbers and boosted our operational capacity with extra parcel sorting sites.

"We are committed to delivering Christmas for our customers.”

The mayor told locals: “Despite these reassurances, in the event that you continue to have any disruptions to your post, please let me know.”

Royal Mail also encouraged people facing disruption to call on 03457 740 740 or write to FREEPOST ROYAL MAIL CUSTOMER SERVICES with any complaints. These can also be raised online.