Southend has the second worst record for postal deliveries in the country, a study out today revealed.

The SS postcode took second place in the worst 20 delivery areas with 88.1 per cent of first class mail delivered the next working day.

Peter Carr, chairman of postal watchdog, Postwatch said: "These are very disappointing results coming at a time when customers are paying higher prices for their post.

"Although some progress has been made, this has been a year with virtually no strikes or severe weather conditions to hamper delivery."

Royal Mail today confirmed it has failed to meet 80 per cent of its delivery targets nationally.

Sir Teddy Taylor, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: "The figures released by Postwatch do not shock me.

"I was delighted Southend has been officially recognised as the second worst postal record in the country, at least now something can be done."

The study looked at Royal Mail first class from April 2002 to March 2003.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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