THE postman is only calling on Wear Valley residents once a day from last Monday under a costcutting move to introduce a single daily delivery across the country by the end of March.

The Royal Mail says that customers will all receive their post by lunchtime, with most mail being delivered well before this.

The changes affect homes with postcodes DL4, 14 and 15, although many people should notice no difference.

People who want their mail early will be able to arrange to collect it from the delivery office in Bishop Auckland from 8.30am.

Delivery arrangements for business customers are unchanged.

The move means the loss of one job in the district and no compulsory redundancies are planned.

Royal Mail's area general manager for the North-East, Bob Storey, said: "Second deliveries account for 20 per cent of Royal Mail's costs but represent just four per cent of the daily mailbag. So it makes sense to combine first and second deliveries. The changes will help safeguard Royal Mail's six- day-a-week universal service to all 27 million addresses in the UK."

Phil Graham, Darlington branch secretary for the Communication Workers' Union, said: "We have been discussing this with the Royal Mail for two years and there have been concerns over some issues which have been resolved.

"We are looking forward to making the proposals work."

Customers who want to collect their mail must apply in advance. Forms are available at Wear Valley Delivery Office, Bob Hardisty Drive, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7AL, or from Royal Mail's customer services on 0845 602 4536.