Sir - I have been interested in your articles about problems with the postal service. We have personal experience.

Our middle daughter's 21st birthday was on June 30, and four family friends and relations have inquired whether she received their cards.

It's embarrassing. They have been thinking that Julie hasn't thanked them for the card and cheque (two sent cheques), and we've been thinking that it's strange 'so and so' hasn't remembered the birthday.

It seems a sorry state of affairs that a once reliable and dependable service has broken down. I phoned Royal Mail, and received an apology.

I have filled in complaint forms, but feel that it won't go further or get sorted out until someone with influence brings the problems to the attention of the person in charge.

Since I have been telling people of our experience, several others have reported similar stories.

My friend Jane has not received her housing support since she moved into a new place last Easter.

She has health problems and asked her GP for help - the Housing Agency has re-issued the cheques, but has to post them rather than hand them over personally.

The GP said that several people in the area where Jane lives are not receiving their support.

Interestingly, none of the cheques has been cashed or drawn. That is also true of the cheques my daughter should have received.

Jill Ling

Campbell Road

Cowley

Oxford