THE postman will call on Wear Valley residents once a day under a cost-cutting move to introduce a single daily delivery across the country.
The Royal Mail says all customers will receive their post by lunchtime, with most mail delivered earlier than that.
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 will be unchanged.
The move means the loss of one job in the district. No compulsory redundancies are planned.
The 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."
Customers who want to collect their mail must apply in advance. Forms are available at the Wear Valley Delivery Office, Bob Hardisty Drive, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7AL, or from Royal Mail customer services on 0845 6024536.
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