Mail delivered to wrong address - for 19 years

A pensioner has spoken of his disbelief after the Royal Mail has delivered his post to the wrong address for 19 years.

Raymond Southwell, 76, spoke of his frustration as year after year his post, including credit card bills, prescriptions, have been delivered to the wrong street.

He said on one occasion even an apology letter from Royal Mail was delivered to the wrong address.

The retired chartered engineer lives with his wife, Jill, 66, in Salterns Lane, Fareham, Hants, but his post is regularly delivered to Salterns Estate.

He said: "It's absolutely ridiculous. It's been going on for 19 years.

"At one time we were left without post for a week, credit card statements have not been delivered leading to charges for non-payment, a birthday card has come a month late."

Mr Southwell said that he makes on average one call a month to Royal Mail but nothing had solved the problem.

He said: "I'm just hoping that this time it will be different - at least for a while."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We apologise to Mr Southwell for any inconvenience caused and can assure him we've taken steps to prevent this happening again.

"It would appear on odd occasions someone covering the regular postman is not as familiar with the area and has accidentally mistaken Salterns Estate for Salterns Lane.

"We are now monitoring Mr Southwell's mail to make sure this is not repeated and we've also put a special