WALTHAM Forest residents have spoken out against the postal strike, saying it has caused unnecessary delays and is damaging to the economy.

Florence Gaba, 54, of Webster Road, Leytonstone, said: “I was expecting some important documents and they were delayed.

“It's not good at all – it's bad for the economy.”

And Pek Kumar, 56, manager of Natures Choice, in Church Lane, said the last strike left him facing delivery delays of almost three weeks.

He said: “It seems like it's constantly happening. We used to have things like this maybe once a year but now it's every few months.

“The last time it happened, I received a delivery that was supposed to take two to three days after 20 days.

“Everyone just keeps blaming each other.”

Richard Wheatley, 51, a bibliographic assistant, of Whipps Cross Road, was more reserved.

He said: “We'll just have to see what happens. It hasn't affected me so far. I might send email instead but it depends what I'm posting.

And Lorna Liffen, 63, a writer, of Mayville Road, said she has avoided the postal chaos by sticking mainly to electronic communication.

She said: “I'm not too au fait with the strike. I send more emails than letters.”

Postal workers are expected to walk out again this week over disputed plans to 'modernise' Royal Mail, including job cuts, and changes to pay and contractual terms.

At its peak, post was being sorted in the streets and Royal Mail also recently announced plans to hire 30,000 temporary staff if union members walk out.

The Government also faces lost revenue totalling up to £100million if the next strike goes ahead, it has been reported.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson has described the strikes as 'self defeating' and welcomed further talks aimed at halting further industrial action.

Representatives of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in east London recently issued an open letter, apologising for the chaos caused by earlier strikes and explaining the reasons for them.

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