SIR -- I refer to your story, Rise in stamp price provokes criticism (Oxford Mail, April 11).

It doesn't surprise me to read that the doom and gloom merchants of the Oxford Consumer Group are having another pop at the postal service. I'm tired of these whingeing, whining, unaccountable, narrow-minded watchdogs.

Do your readers really begrudge paying 30p for a first-class letter, posted in Oxford, to arrive in the Shetland Islands next day?

This unaccountable minority body reminds me so much of the few ungrateful customers who sit in their front rooms (lounges) of posh Oxford, or hide behind the curtains, enthusiastically waiting to see if their postman/woman collects the mail 20 seconds early on a stormy day.

Royal Mail manager, Tom Willis, has done well in improving the service to our customers.

He has had to contend with the backdrop of 30,000 national redundancies, replacement agency staff, low morale, and yes, as the Oxford Mail keeps reminding us, industrial action that took place more than a year ago.

Mr Willis has improved collections and processing of the post in Oxford, due to his style of management that works alongside the union in resolving issues. The workforce are unaccustomed to this industrial 'partnership' philosophy.

Early days, but we're enthusiastic about our manager coming up with the goods.

NOEL FAY

Postman, Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford