Mail stopped after postie's slip

The letter, from Julia Ffoulkes at the Royal Mail, said: "We would like to hear from you within the next two weeks to let us know what you have done or will be doing t [sic] rectify this situation.

"If we have not herd [sic] from you by Monday, July 14 2008, we will cease to deliver mail to the premises and return all items to the sender."

Eric and Jan Graham, of North Parade, were told by a postman last Wednesday they would no longer be receiving letters at their flat.

Mr Graham, 61, said: "It seems to be at the postman's discretion whether he delivers the post or not. It is like they are making it up as they go along.

"I suffer from glaucoma and luckily a doctor's appointment letter came last week, but what if it hadn't?"

Councillor Nana Asante, who represents the Edgware ward, said: "Royal Mail have a duty to staff, but they have to find a way to make sure that every-body gets a delivery.

"They should not put the onus on residents."

Ms Ffoulkes, who completed a risk assessment of the area, told the Observer:

"We needed the letter to go out and it was completed in a bit of a rush, so we did not have time to proof read it. Our postman has fallen over several times and this time he hurt his back."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Royal Mail apologises to our customers in North and South Parade.

"There is a health and safety issue which needs to be addressed to ensure the safety of our delivery staff; however, the letter should not have gone out and we will be engaging with the residents to see how we can best resolve this matter."