ROYAL Mail has responded to local concerns that the delivery office in Kendal is under threat of closure.

Kendal residents asked MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron to help to clarify the situation regarding the office on Stricklandgate after Royal Mail said that it was conducting an extensive review into local sorting offices, 'taking into account efficiency and changing customer preferences'.

Mr Farron wrote to Royal Mail seeking reassurance saying he 'strongly opposed' any plans to close local delivery offices. He received a response on January 5.

The letter said: "The review comes as customer footfall has fallen by around 50 per cent at Royal Mail's CSPs (Customer Service Points) compared to pre-pandemic levels.

READ MORE: Town's mail collection office 'under threat of closure'

"This drop reflects customers' growing reluctance to travel to CSPs to collect missed parcels, as well as their growing preference for free redeliveries to the doorstep.

"Royal Mail has additionally introduced a range of new delivery options designed to further improve its first-time delivery rates.

"These initiatives include a scheme where postmen and postwomen are able to leave parcels in what they consider to be a safe place.

"Research suggests 90 per cent of customers prefer delivery to a safe place or neighbour.

"I would like to assure you that no final decision has been made in relation to our CSP operation."

The reply comes after Mr Farron's assertion that he had heard 'rumblings' that the Kendal and Sedbergh CSPs were to be closed and 'consolidated' in a location between the two towns.