First class delay on mum's special day

I sent a Mother's Day card, First Class, to Kendal, Cumbria, on Friday Morning 8.45am, posted at the main box, Deansgate, Bolton.

This card didn't arrive on Saturday, as one would automatically think. Due to this, I rang the Sorting Office and was put through to Customer Care. A young lady informed me that a First Class Stamp does not guarantee a next day delivery, and was told that if I needed a next day delivery I would have to pay extra for a special delivery, guaranteed to reach the person the next day.

It was very disappointing not to have a Mother's Day card there for her, especially when my older brother posted his at 4pm on Friday, first class from Leicester.

I have written to the Post Office for an explanation, but feel your readers should know, in order not to be late in sending a card or letter to mark a special occasion, because it might be late - unless sent by special delivery at an extra cost.

Mrs S Y Potter

Howcroft Close, Bolton

A Royal Mail spokeswoman replies: "It is always disappointing to learn that a special crad has not been delivered on time and we are sorry to hear about the late arrival of this Mother's Day message. This year, Royal Mail pulled out all the stops to deal with a record postbag of nearly 13 million Mother's Day cards and the vast majority were delivered in good time for this important occasion. Indeed, independent research shows that the overwhelming majority of first class mail arrives the day after posting. However, while we strive to deliver first class mail next day, it cannot be guaranteed at the present country-wide tariff. We do realise that customers have different needs, and we offer a range of products and services to meet those needs. This includes Special Delivery which guarantees next day delivery before noon. For further information, our customer service centre can be contacted on 0345 740 740.

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