ROYAL Mail has explained why deliveries may have been delayed in Aylesbury on the lead up to Christmas.

It comes after a neighbour complained to the Free Press about the infrequency of post-delivery from Royal Mail, with households waiting for letters to arrive.

Residents in the Aylesbury Vale claimed they received no letters in the days leading up to Christmas.

John Fowler quoted his postman, where "on average three letters for every house await delivery."

Royal Mail confirmed the delivery office had been having issues with staff.

A spokesman said: "They confirmed there has been high vacancy and sickness rates at the office, however deliveries are in order with the latest information I have being the office was clear of all letters and parcels on Christmas eve."

Other residents across Buckinghamshire have experienced delays with post.

One reader said: "No suprise there, the post box outside the food shop in Hazlemere was full at 2pm on Saturday 4 weeks ago with no collection until Monday.

"[It's] the same as it was last year with letters falling out of the box, this isn't cutting back it's cutting our service."