Royal Mail says it is working to clear a busy Kent delivery office by Christmas Eve amid complaints of postal delays across one district.

Residents in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay have reported receiving letters and parcels up to 10 days late in the run-up to the festive season.

Many say they have waited more than a week for a delivery, with post often arriving irregularly and in bulk rather than daily.

“No post for at least 8 working days in my area of CT6 and I know of at least two things posted 10 days ago that should be here by now,” said one customer in Herne Bay.

“I had two tracked 24-hour parcels recently that took a week to arrive. They spent 5 days sitting in Canterbury delivery office,” reported another.

A further disgruntled customer remarked: “[My post] has been roughly once a week, and I know people have posted their cards to me!

“[They] put the [cost of] postage stamps up and [we] get a worse service!”

Royal Mail disputed claims it has experienced delays of weeks, but admitted high levels of demand have impacted services, with volumes doubling.

It says this is especially so “if coupled with adverse weather and at times, higher levels of sick absence at the office”.

A spokesperson says it hopes to clear the Canterbury delivery office by tomorrow of all items sent by the last recommended posting dates.

They added today: “At the delivery office that serves Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable our posties are working exceptionally hard to manage the increased demand and clear the office of all parcels and letters by Christmas Eve.

“Deliveries are continuing throughout today and tomorrow.

“We are committed to delivering Christmas and repeating last year’s success where we delivered our best Christmas for customers in four years.”