Bath MP Ben Howlett experienced the challenges involved in delivering the post when he joined local postie, Chris McInnes, on his delivery round in Bath earlier this week.
Ben is one of a number of local Members of Parliament being invited to go out with postmen and women across the UK to see the lengths Royal Mail goes to to deliver the post.
The purpose of the visits is to give Members of Parliament a unique insight into the challenges of delivering mail to every house and business in their constituency, six days a week.
Ryan Edmunds, Delivery Office Manager at Bath, who briefed Ben before he set off on his walk said: “We’re delighted that Ben Howlett MP is taking the time to experience the every day challenges faced by our delivery postmen and women.
“The visit gave us the opportunity to show Ben how we are modernising and transforming the organisation.
“We are investing in new sorting and delivery equipment as we respond to the changing nature of the modern postbag. We are delivering more parcels and fewer letters than ever before and the tools for the job need to reflect that.”
Ben Howlett MP said: “On my visit I found that postmen and women not only deliver the mail but play an important part in the local communities across Bath.
“I joined local postie Chris McInnes on his round in Widcombe. This is the best way of getting an insight into the work involved in delivering the post. Postal workers go out in all weathers, and I thank them for all the work they do.
“It also gave me the chance to chat to the staff at the sorting office, not just about the postal service but about a wide variety of issues.”
Royal Mail is currently transforming its operation, which means every part of the process from collecting, transporting, sorting and delivering the mail is being improved to increase efficiency.