ROYAL Mail managers have delivered post in Newport to deal with a backlog caused by controversial changes.

Gary Watkins, regional secretary of the Communications Workers Union (CWU) said there were problems in the Mill Street office because of the introduction of a "revision of duties".

He added this had led to the cutting of jobs and giving bigger rounds to existing postmen and women.

A 24-hour stoppage was staged in Newport last month by Royal Mail employees because the changes were introduced without union agreement.

Mr Watkins said management were brought in from outside the area to deliver post in the city last week and earlier this week.

One of the people affected by the changes was Christopher Iles, of Stow Hill, who runs a small jewellery business.

He said his post - a lot of which had to be signed for - had not been arriving at his home until the afternoon.

"If they are going to make the service so poor then they are feeding those who want to take it away from the Post Office."

A Royal Mail spokesman said they had carried out a re-organisation of delivery walks across Newport as part of its commitment to improving efficiency.

He added it had involved changes to routes and this could take time to settle down.

"We are currently experiencing a few problems in parts of the Newport West area.

However, we are working hard to minimise any short-term disruption.

"None of our postmen or women are being asked to do anything that is not their job and the delivery span in which our customers receive their mail has not changed."

The CWU is due hold a ballot on a national strike this month in the continuing row over cuts in jobs and services around the country.