Royal Mail 'sorry' over Dorset snow post disruption

Royal Mail has apologised after some rural areas in Dorset have gone without a delivery for up to a week.

The county has been hit with heavy snowfall over the past few days which have hit collections and deliveries.

The main Dorchester Post Office was also forced to shut for part of Monday due to a burst water pipe while staff have struggled to get in.

Royal Mail said it was doing all it could to get mail delivered but efforts were being hampered by snow and ice.

The DT2 post code area has been reported as being badly hit by postal delays.

Royal Mail said postal workers were "pulling out all the stops to get the mail delivered as quickly as possible" but ice on pavements as well as roads was causing problems.

A spokesman added: "We expect to be able to deliver to the majority of addresses... however, in areas affected by the recent falls of snow there may be some temporary disruption.

"We are keeping local conditions under review and will resume deliveries as soon as we are able.

"Extensive plans remain in operation to help us deliver as much mail to customers as quickly as possible this week."

Dorset saw up to 20cm (8in) in parts on high ground during Monday causing travel problems for motorists.

Gritters have managed to clear major routes but remote parts were still treacherous, the authorities warned.

Pedestrians have been advised not to walk on treated roads in a bid to avoid walking on icy pavements.