An Angus postie has been suspended amid an investigation into undelivered mail in towns across the district.
Royal Mail chiefs have confirmed the suspension of the Brechin delivery office worker as part of a probe into problems which are also understood to have involved Kirriemuir and Carnoustie.
Undelivered mail is believed to have been recovered after concerns were raised, and that is being sent on to customers with an explanation. Businesses and private addresses are thought to have been affected.
It is also understood that the non-arrival of wedding invitations sent out by a local couple to guests was one of the triggers in the investigation.
The worker at the centre of the probe is now thought to have resigned their position, but it is not clear whether the matter will lead to criminal charges.
A Royal Mail spokeswoman said on Tuesday, “Royal Mail can confirm an employee from Brechin delivery office has been suspended as part of an investigation into the intentional delay of mail.Zero tolerance”The delayed mail is being delivered to customers with a covering letter explaining the delay and telling them who to contact should they require further information. We apologise to any customer whose mail has been affected by this incident.”
She continued, “Royal Mail has a zero tolerance approach to any dishonesty and that stance is shared by the overwhelming majority of postmen and women, who are honest and hard-working and who do all they can to protect the mail and deliver it safely.
“It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail and anyone caught doing so will face serious disciplinary measures and Royal Mail will always seek to prosecute the tiny minority of people who abuse their position of trust.
“The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women.”