A-Level letter fury

Anita Johnston explained that her 17-year-old daughter Chantelle was expecting her results in the post on Thursday morning but discovered that the Belfast Metropolitan College had posted them to her previous address. The family moved house just five weeks ago.

Once aware of this Anita went to the Royal Mail sorting office in Linenhall Street first thing on Thursday and explained, hoping to get the letter.

She was told her daughter needed ID. Anita providedthis but was then told that Royal Mail couldn’t hand over the letter as the address on her daughter’s identification was different from that on the letter.

“I was furious. She uses the same ID to collect parcels all the time but the man at the countrer said it wasn’t good enough this morning as the address is different.

“We changed all our details when we moved house so of course she didn’t have the old address on her ID.

“My daughter was shaking and there was just no need for it. I was told to mind my tone and the Manager came out and he said we couldn’t have the letter.”

Anita concluded: “This was absolutely ridiculous. There was no need for it.”

Royal Mail spokesperson Felicity MacFarlane said: “We are sorry to hear of this customer’s experience with Royal Mail. When people move home Royal Mail always recommends a mail redirection service is put into place so customers can continue to receive important items of mail. Royal Mail is obligated to deliver mail as addressed unless a mail redirection has been put into place by the customer. Strict procedures are in place to ensure we hand over mail securely to our customers who collect it from our delivery offices. This is first and foremost for the protection of our customers.”