CHANGES are being made to the way in which mail is delivered in the Lydney and Monmouth areas.

Royal Mail says postmen and women will use new methods and adopt revised routes over the next few weeks.

The new system will affect homes and businesses in the GL15 sectors four to six and NP25 sectors three to five postcode areas.

That includes Lydney and Monmouth towns, Alvington, Aylburton, Blakeney, Bream Brockhollands, Hewelsfield, Llandogo, Oldcroft, Osbaston, Penallt, Parkend, Pillowell, Purlieu,Redbrook, St Briavels, Trellech, Viney Hill, Whitebrook,Whitecroft, Woolaston, Wyesham and Yorkley.

Many people will continue to get their mail by lunchtime with deliveries continuing in the morning and for a longer period during the day.

Deliveries could be later or possibly earlier depending on where people live on the new rounds.

Royal Mail says that fewer letters are now posted and it needs to organise rounds to be as efficient as possible.

More large items are also delivered and new equipment to carry these items is being provided to make deliveries more secure and reduce the risk of injury from carrying heavy mail sacks.

Letters are being sent to homes, businesses and other organisations in the area and people can call the customer services team on 0845 601 1399 or textphone 0845 600 0606.

Royal Mail says the changes will require "a period of adjustment" for staff but it will do everything to maintain levels of service.