WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine has made his traditional pre-Christmas visit to the postal depot at Winnall.

He dropped in early last Friday to thank the team of postmen and women dealing with the huge Christmas rush.

This was the eighth year in a row that Steve has popped in before dawn to look around and chat to the team at the base on Winnall Manor Road.

Steve said: “I really enjoy dropping in each December with a few treats to say thank you, not only for the professionalism with which they get the job done at Christmas, but all round the year, of course.

“We discussed a number of issues along the way, including the soon to be implemented parking restrictions in Winnall which rightly solves one problem for residents but risks creating a whole other issue for those working at the depot.”

He added: “I am in touch with Royal Mail and Winchester City Council to try and encourage urgent joined up working on this one because, ultimately, the smooth delivery of Winchester’s mail could be adversely affected if a solution can’t be found.”

Giles Wood, Royal Mail delivery office manager, said: “Our postmen and women are working extremely hard to deliver Christmas cards, letters and parcels to people in Winchester. We are grateful that Steve visited the office to see our operation and to support the team.”

Last Christmas posting dates for 2017:

Wednesday December 20 – 2nd class and 2nd class signed for;

Thursday December 21 – 1st class, 1st class signed for, and special delivery guaranteed;

Friday December 22 – special delivery guaranteed Saturday delivery.