PEOPLE can air their gripes about postal services in Maidstone on Monday, November 26, when Postwatch, the new consumer watchdog, holds a south east regional committee meeting which will be open to the public.

The meeting will be used to help gauge attitudes to local postal services in the area. Peter Privett, chairman of Postwatch South East England said: "Postwatch intends to be a watchdog with teeth.

"We will use our relationships with the Regulator and with Consignia and other postal service providers to ensure that standards of service are improved." Mr Privett said few customers would be aware, for instance, that eight out of every 100 first class letters posted did not arrive the next day.

He added: "The current rate of Post Office closures in our region is a further cause for concern. We need the views and opinions of all customers if we are to press for improved services and more customer choice for the future."

The meeting is being held in the Medway Suite at the Russell Hotel, Boxley Road, Maidstone, starting at 6pm