More than one in ten letters in south Essex arrive late, Royal Mail has admitted.
It has revealed that in the first part of 2004 only 88.9 per cent of first class deliveries to the SS postcode were made on time, despite a target of 92.5 per cent.
The CM postcode, which includes Billericay, was even poorer with only 86.7 per cent delivered on time.
Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith said: "I don't think anyone is going to be surprised by these figures. I think they are absolutely appalling.
"The figures for April to June could be even worse - I got mail in April that was months old. We should be aiming for 100 per cent on time and it should at least be in the very high 90s."
However, figures are improving. By July 89.3 per cent of letters were delivered on time in both SS and CM areas.
Mrs Smith said: "It does seem we are turning the corner. I am getting far fewer complaints than I was. But these figures show how far we still have to go."
Published Wednesday September 1, 2004
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