POSTAL service Royal Mail has rejected claims that it plans to shut two sorting offices in Gloucestershire. 

Royal Mail has said it has "no current plans" to close delivery offices in Dursley or Chipping Campden. 

Some residents had been worried about the facilities closing after reports of poor frequency of postal deliveries across the area.

Previously, Dursley's MP Siobhan Baillie said it was "unacceptable" that some areas are receiving post just once a week. 

Meanwhile, the Stroud district's Chamber of Trade chair Tony Davey said he was concerned about the impact on businesses.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We would like to reassure residents that there are currently no plans to close the customer service points at Dursley and Chipping Campden Delivery Offices.

“We are very sorry to residents who have experienced delays.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Dursley Delivery Office in Draycott Business ParkDursley Delivery Office in Draycott Business Park (Image: Google Maps)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Chipping Campden Delivery Office in Back EndsChipping Campden Delivery Office in Back Ends (Image: Google Maps)

"We have no bigger priority beyond improving our quality of service and we are firmly committed to restoring service levels to where our customers expect them to be.

"Every day, efforts are taken locally to ensure that any delays are kept to a minimum, and those who do not receive their mail are prioritised the next day.

"Across our business we have plans in place to drive service levels and reduce absence at our delivery offices, we hope and expect to see further progress in the coming months.

"We encourage anyone with concerns about the delivery of their mail to contact Royal Mail customer service on 03457 740 740 or via royalmail.com."

Currently, both the Dursley and Chipping Campden are open from 8am to 10am every weekday and from 8am until 12pm on Saturday’s. 

Mr Davey said: "Generally, in Stroud town centre, there are few reported issues with deliveries - where there are problems they are relatively isolated. 

"However, many businesses receive business correspondence at home rather than at their trading premises.

"Many of these businesses have reported delays in receiving their mail of seven or even 10 days - especially in Ebley and Cashes Green.

"These can be important communications or supplies, so can have a significant impact on businesses where the correspondence is time sensitive.

"The perception, in line with that of many others, is that deliveries (in the areas surrounding the town) may be only once or twice a week.

"By contrast, businesses are generally finding their post to addresses outside the area are within expected timescales, indicating that the current issues may be common to our immediate area."