Essex businesses have branded the postal service "universally unacceptable".

Complaints about problems, such as late delivery, have made it a top discussion item for the Essex Chambers of Commerce Council.

The group, frustrated at the Royal Mail's refusal to discuss the issue, has now called on local MPs for help.

In an open letter, chief executive David Crozier said postal difficulties had been highlighted in the press for the past two years.

Mr Crozier said the county's economy would be undermined if standards failed to meet the reasonable levels expected by customers.

A Royal Mail spokesman said action was being taken.

"One of our area managers is meeting one of the MPs David Amess to talk about mail operations in Essex."

"Similarly, we are discussing a date in January for us to meet with the chamber to discuss any issues they may have," he added.

"This demonstrates Royal Mail's honesty in accepting, in some areas, things might not be as good as they should be and our willingness to discuss improvements with key organisations and customers."

Problems on the railways had hindered attempts to improve the movement of mail in and out of the county.

He found lack of communication claims "terribly disappointing", as the organisation had monthly meetings with the chief executive of one local authority in Essex.

"Excuses for unacceptable levels of performance have been offered following the introduction of new technology and 'improved' automation at various centres throughout the county.

"The experience of business in the performance of the Royal Mail has been universally unacceptable."

He added: "The frustration of the business community has been compounded by the manner in which the Royal Mail in Essex, as an organisation, has steadfastly refused to enter into any form of meaningful dialogue at senior level with respresentatives of the business community."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.