Huhne Says A Big Thank You To Christmas Posties

11.20.00am GMT Tue 16th Dec 2008

Chris Huhne MP with Eastleigh postman, Richie Hunt

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne visited the sorting office in Goodwood Road to say a big thank you to the hard-working postmen and women who are delivering cards and parcels in record numbers in the run-up to Christmas.

Chris Huhne, who has visited the office every year since he was elected, said a particular thank you to Richie Hunt (pictured here with Chris) who delivers the MP's mail in Dutton Lane, Eastleigh.

"Richie is always cheery and displays his optimistic outlook on life by getting out and about even in the depths of winter in short trousers" said Chris. "Given the sub-zero temperatures this week, rather him than me!

"Postmen and women like Richie play an often unappreciated but very important role in keeping families and friends in touch all year round.

"When you see the complexity of sorting and then delivering all the mail, it makes you realise how much we rely on the dedication of so many people ready to start work as early as 4.30 in the morning in freezing mist to ensure us a happy Christmas".

Chris said that he had noticed in his annual visits that the workload is getting bigger, heavier and bulkier as a result of more and more people buying presents over the internet.

"This year, the Royal Mail has introduced a new computerised tracking system for parcels, so the office is always moving with the times and striving to be more efficient.

"Naturally enough, there was a certain amount of controversy in the office about another new computer programme used to assess the proper time for delivery rounds - with managers said to be aiming at 4 miles per hour - but you can't measure a smile and a cheery hello" said Chris.