Ipswich man frustrated over three letters in six months

Neil Leaks says since moving into his home in Maidenhall Approach with the 10-year-old dog, he has only had three letters in that time because staff will not approach his letterbox.

He installed a gate in front of his door to try and mitigate the issues, but the 62-year-old says he has missed doctors appointments and health documents due to this, as well as having to collect his Ipswich Town Season Ticket in person.

Mr Leaks said: "The first day I moved in, the postman came and my dog barked and he said 'your dog is too loud'.

Neil and his dog Buddy (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"I put up a gate to be safe so Buddy wouldn't run out into the street and he would be kept inside when the postman came.

"He kept complaining and I just never received my post."

Neil has put up a gate to keep Buddy inside (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Mr Leaks has also said that other residents in his building have also gone without getting their mail, with one having to change their address to a neighbours to be able to have an important delivery.

Royal Mail said the issue only affected Mr Leaks. 

The dog owner continued: "I've done everything I can. I have put a gate up, I have kept the door shut, I won't let Buddy out in the mornings. 

Buddy the dog with his owner Neil (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Buddy the dog with his owner Neil outside their flat (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"I have had the area manager from Royal Mail over and she said Buddy was absolutely fine telling me there was no problem."

The Ipswich Royal Mail has said that they have been delivering his post regularly 'when the dog is held back from the door' and Buddy can't reach the postman.

The front door with Buddy and the gate (Image: Submitted)

They confirmed the customer operations manager for the area has also visited the property three times and was aware of the gate but did highlight the postman has to open the gate to access the letterbox.

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: "We are working with this customer to resolve the situation.

"The wellbeing of our colleagues is our highest priority, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure their safety at work."

The front door with Buddy and the gate (Image: Submitted)