'If I get my post once a week I am lucky'

Residents said they have missed crucial hospital appointments

Residents in East Sussex have slammed Royal Mail for what they described as its "abysmal" postal service.

Nathan Jones, from Crowborough, said he was "lucky" if he received his post more than once a week.

The 38-year-old told the BBC he had gone a fortnight without a bank card and missed important hospital appointments because of postal delays.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "We take the delivery of mail very seriously and work hard to ensure all items arrive on time."

'Disappointing'

"A high level of vacancies at the local delivery office has unfortunately had an impact on deliveries in Crowborough," they added.

Mr Jones said post problems in the area were getting "people's backs up".

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, said she was lobbying Royal Mail on behalf of local residents to improve the service.

“I recognise the importance of a prompt and reliable postal service," she said, calling the current situation "disappointing".

Sam Robbins told the BBC she had received post three times since moving into her new house in Crowborough four months ago. The first delivery took eight weeks.

Ms Robbins said she has resorted to collecting her own post

The 43-year-old said she had resorted to collecting her post herself from the local sorting office.

"It's a nuisance," she said, detailing that setting up bills and accounts at her new property had been frustrating.

Ms Robbins said Royal Mail had sent her a "stock" apology after she complained via their website.

Scores of Crowborough residents also contacted the BBC to voice similar complaints with Royal Mail.

The postal service said plans were in place to minimise the impact on customers and that they were actively recruiting for permanent and Christmas roles.

In December, customers and MPs across the South East criticised Royal Mail over its service during the festive season.