Return to sender - MP challenges Royal Mail
“SNAIL mail” is the phrase often used when post takes its time – but for some Rotherham residents, the description has begun to feel uncomfortably accurate.
Even Postman Pat and his black and white cat might have delivered it quicker, after a newsletter sent in September 2025 only recently began landing on doormats in Anston.
Rother Valley MP Jake Richards has stamped his frustration on the issue, branding the performance of Royal Mail in the village as “disastrous”.
Mr Richards is “increasingly sick and tired of delays in our postal service”, revealing that a newsletter he sent to residents months ago had only just found its way.
“Ridiculously, my newsletter for residents in Anston which I sent in September 2025 are only just being delivered now,” he wrote.
“This is utterly remarkable. But more worrying, is the fact that residents are missing NHS appointments because of delays in the service.
"I have written to Royal Mail to ask for an urgent meeting and update on what steps are being taken. This matters to all of us.”
He was careful not to single out frontline staff.
“Let me be really clear, I’m not criticising the brilliant postal workers, who I have met and work tirelessly - in rain, snow and sun.
"It’s a problem with the company and the lack of investment and failure to plan properly,” he added.
He said he hoped residents would still find the updates in the delayed newsletter useful, despite its belated arrival, and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact him directly.
The Royal Mail didn't offer a specific reason for delays but told the Advertiser: "We understand how frustrating it can be when post does not arrive as expected.
“The vast majority of mail in the Rotherham area, including Anston, is delivered on time.
“Where short-term disruption does occur, it is usually limited to individual routes and can be caused by temporary factors such as sickness absence, resourcing pressures, or winter weather.
“If an individual item from six months ago has arrived recently, this would be highly unusual and would very likely relate to a specific issue affecting that item rather than a wider delay.
“We will contact the MP to understand the details and investigate further.”