Residents’ post is missing after mail van is stolen from Neston Town Centre

Aug 20 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Neston News

HUNDREDS of items of mail sent to homes in Neston have been lost after thieves stole a delivery van.

The Neston News has learned residents received a letter of apology from the Royal Mail last week informing them of the theft - and saying the mail would be delivered if and when the van was recovered.

It is understood the theft took place on the morning of Friday, August 8 as Royal Mail staff were preparing to deliver in Neston town centre.

The Royal Mail has started an investigation into the theft.

The scandal is the second to hit Neston’s postal service this month - last week the News reported residents were outraged after Neston’s post office was closed for a fortnight because the postmasters were on holiday.

One business owner, who asked not to be named, said: “The letter just basically said that a van delivering letters in Neston had been stolen.

“They said it was one day’s delivery only and that if they find the van they will deliver our mail.

“I was looking forward to some mail so when there was no delivery I thought something must have gone wrong.

“I think the round affected was the high street, the OAP flats on the other side and down Eldon Terrace, so it will have hit a lot of people.”

The Royal Mail declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the theft.

A spokesman said: “A van containing items of mail for delivery in the Neston area was stolen on August 8.

“An investigation is underway and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience.”