HOLD fire - the post crisis will improve.

This is the message from industry watchdog Postwatch, which says Royal Mail's radically altered service is not only more efficient, but gives customers what they need.

The Daily Echo has been inundated with calls and e-mails from people complaining about the under-fire service.

Postbags dumped, letters lost, important cheques vanishing in the post and birthday cards arriving late - these are just some of the string of complaints.

It seems the company's decision to scrap the second post and deliver all mail in one round has crippled deliveries.

But regulator Postwatch say problems will "bed down" in the next month.

Winchester's main sorting office has also promised that deliveries will soon be back to normal, following a meeting with MP Mark Oaten.

Gary Hepburn, Postwatch South and West manager, said: "There's no doubt this is more efficient. It's designed to get more post delivered the next day and there aren't two people walking the same round.

"In terms of quality of service, it's probably better. There's a difference between what customers want and what customers need.

"The elderly couple sitting having their breakfast who see the postman come up the drive at the same time each day probably don't need their post at 7.30am.

"There are a small number of people who are severely affected and need their post earlier, but for most customers it's a case of want, not need."

Hundreds of complaints have been lodged, but Mr Hepburn said it may not lead to action against Royal Mail.

"We're like the police and we would pass serious concerns on to Postcomm. They are the court who can take action, like levy fines," he said. "Our past experience shows things do bed down."

Winchester MP Mr Oaten met with Winnall sorting office bosses after receiving dozens of complaints from fed-up residents.

He said: "Managers at the Winnall post office are currently recruiting and I hope this will help with the staff shortages. It will take time to train up the staff, but I am hopeful that the post office can get on top of the problem in the coming months.

"While I have the highest regard for the individual postman, it is clear that the new system has taken time to bed down."

Log complaints with Postwatch by calling 08456 013 265.

Tell the Daily Echo your experiences with the postal service. Call Claire Moriarty on 023 8042 4495 or her using the link above.