Pushing back Royal Mail office opening times could mean 'deliveries in the dark'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Plans to push back the opening times of Royal Mail delivery offices all over Ayrshire are being considered. Hubs in Ayr, Cumnock, Dalry, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, Prestwick and Troon are among those across the UK being assessed for the changes.Some offices could see their opening times pushed back by more than two hours.Concerns have been raised that the knock-on effect will result in customers’ packages being delivered later in the afternoon and, in some cases, at night.Customers looking to pick up parcels in person would have to come in later, too.South Scotland Conservative MSP Brian Whittle said: "I would want cast iron assurances from Royal Mail that these changes won’t see customers waiting longer for deliveries or staff being put under greater pressure.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android."The changes could also have significant knock-on effects for businesses and other customers who take advantage of early opening hours at delivery offices to deal with their mail before the working day begins."Royal Mail now need to engage thoroughly with their customers and the public before a final decision on these proposals.”Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland, Katy Clark, said: "This proposed shake-up will mean that some people will be waiting until late in the afternoon to get their post. “For areas like North Ayrshire, which has many rural communities and