‘Post worker still abused at flats despite police escort’

POSTAL workers who were given a police escort after fears for their safety say they continue to be verbally abused by residents.

Deliveries have been suspended at Holly Road in Risca after Royal Mail staff were “threatened and intimidated” causing police to intervene.

Royal Mail said that while they attempted to deliver to residents at the block of flats on Thursday with police in attendance, one of their postmen was verbally abused.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman, said: “Royal Mail did attempt deliveries to residents in Holly Road yesterday with the police in attendance.

“Unfortunately one of our postmen was again abused verbally.

“The suspension of deliveries will remain in place until we can meet next week with the council and police to see what can be done to resolve this issue, so that our people can deliver safely without any kind of threats as they carry out their roles.”

Gwent Police previously said that they are investigating an “isolated” incident on June 15 where items were thrown from a flat window, missing a postal worker.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman added: “Our staff have previously been threatened and intimidated, including having items regularly thrown at them as they try to deliver residents’ mail.

“The safety of our staff is of paramount importance to us and the decision to suspend mail deliveries is never one we take lightly.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jim Neesam said: “We understand that there are heightened emotions in the community at this time but we urge members of the public to refrain from making unhelpful or negative remarks towards members of the postal service.”