MAIL watchdogs are urging Gwent villagers angered by unreliable post deliveries to lodge a formal complaint.

Postwatch Wales investigates complaints and concerns voiced by the public over postal services.

And Graham Preece, who represents the South East Wales area with Postwatch Wales, said he was concerned to learn residents of Ponthir were experiencing problems. The Argus reported this week how locals were angry their mail was arriving during the afternoon.

People living in Oaklands, Longbridge, Station Road and Hafod Road, Ponthir, said they were fed up with their mail arriving after midday - and sometimes as late as 3pm. When they complained to Royal Mail they were told it was because part of the village had been temporarily classed as a country area, while neighbouring roads remain designated as urban.

Mr Preece, whose area includes Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Brecon, said: "We are currently investigating a similar case to the one highlighted in the Argus. We have dealt with a number of complaints amounting to about 40 a month, since the new body was set up in March.

"Complaints are initially made to our office in Cardiff and then passed onto the member for the area where the complaint originated if it needs investigating from source."

Postwatch Wales aims to arbitrate in disputes and its main duty is to ensure proper provision of the service for consumers. The watchdog was set up after the Post Office, now Consignia, became a company outside the complete control of the government. Mr Preece, of Abergavenny, added: "Postwatch is there to represent the views of consumers, to investigate and research services, to have regard for regional users, the disabled, sick, old, poor and rural users."

Customer complaints should be made to Postwatch Wales, 5th floor, Longcross Court, 47, Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 OWL, e-mail cymru@postwatch.co.uk or ring 08456 013265.