Royal Mail has taken on extra staff at its Croydon depot as coronavirus-related staff absences continue to delay postal deliveries.

Croydon residents have experienced a reduced service due to workers being off sick or self-isolating.

In addition to staffing issues, Royal Mail says it has been dealing with a higher volume of post than usual due to the ongoing lockdown.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "We have taken on additional temporary workers at our Croydon depot to help manage Covid-related absences.

"The levels of Covid-related absences, which includes those colleagues who are self-isolating in line with government guidance, tend to vary by local area. This has a direct impact on our staffing levels, especially in areas where there are higher levels of local outbreaks.

“We are working hard to deliver as normal a service as we can.

"Despite our best endeavours, it is possible that some areas of the country may experience a reduction in service levels due to higher volumes of mail during the lockdown, the ongoing impact of Covid-related staff absences and necessary social distancing measures at local mail centres and delivery offices."

Speaking earliert his month, Gwen Norton, from Croydon, said: "Essentially for a month I've not had any post.

"As a single pensioner living on my own is a bit distressing.

"I know I didn't get the Christmas cards I know my brother and sister sent me, which I know sounds a bit pathetic, but it does have an emotional impact."