Royal Mail is under fire for lack of post since the big freeze began -
Royal Mail is facing tough criticism and questions from customers angry that they failed to receive post for more than a week because of the snow.
There is outrage that hundreds of staff were unable to deliver letters during the cold snap.
Services are only just starting to return to normal as the snow thaws.
The News understands that while postal staff were being paid to stay at home on health and safety grounds, local sorting offices have been swamped by 17,500 undelivered letters.
But Royal Mail has refused to answer questions on why so many deliveries were delayed for so long, how many workers were off work and how many are now back trying to sort out the massive backlog.
In a statement, Royal Mail said it has faced 'significant difficulties' because of the extreme weather and has been attempting deliveries where it can.
But many residents who did not see their postie for a week from Tuesday, January 5, are angry, saying other deliveries such as milk, newspapers and even junk mail has managed to get to them.
Rob Guyatt, 69, of Thrush Walk, Waterlooville, said: 'It's disgusting really, the paper boy and girls have been delivering, they can get about still. It's not good enough, it's their job.
'The world doesn't stop because of a bit of snow.'
Leslie Sheppard, of Southleigh Road, Havant, said: 'I used to have a great regard for the postal workers but they have now dropped way down my list of favourites. Even our milkman with his electric float has managed to deliver on all his due days.'
When The News requested to speak to local postal bosses about the scale of postage problem created by the big freeze and how long it could take to resolve, Royal Mail refused saying they were 'busy concentrating on looking after customers.'
Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South, said: 'I think Royal Mail ought to be letting people know the full situation and how long it's going to take to put right.
'I'm pretty sure they definitely couldn't work one of the days but I'm not sure about the other time they've had off.'
Mr Hancock called for extra deliveries over the weekend to help clear the backlog of post.
He added: 'It's very important the post gets through for so many reasons.
'I've heard from people who are waiting on job offers.'
Meanwhile, as the snow begins to melt, one council has started issuing sand bags to homes at risk of flooding.
East Hampshire District Council is giving priority to the elderly and infirm. Call the council on 01730 266551.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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