Postal workers have welcomed changes to the way Royal Mail will deliver mail in part of Bradford.

Postmen and women began using new delivery methods on revised routes in West Bradford yesterday, as changes are introduced on a phased basis.

Royal Mail said delivery routes have had to be changed to ensure efficiency at a time when fewer letters are being sent.

But as the number of larger items being sent increases, Royal Mail has also invested in lightweight trolleys which postal workers, travelling as pairs in vans, will use instead of the traditional postbag.

The Communication Workers Union, which took part in a consultation on the plans, has welcomed the move. Bob Hulme, secretary of the Bradford and District branch of the CWU, said: “It should improve services. It should also improve the welfare of delivery staff because they won’t be carrying the weight they used to carry over their shoulder.”

Royal Mail said it would continue to deliver post in the morning and for a longer period during the day.

While many customers will continue to get their mail by lunchtime, the time at which they receive it will depend on where they live on the new delivery route.

Martin Bogg, Royal Mail’s collection and delivery sector manager, said: “We are proud of the high regard in which our postmen and women are held in West Bradford.

“The changes to delivery routes will mean that a member of our local and experienced team will still be delivering to our customers in West Bradford.

“The local delivery team and I are fully committed to providing a high- quality service that is as reliable and friendly as customers have come to expect from Royal Mail in West Bradford over many years.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said the way in which people communicate had changed.

The spokesman said: “Unfortunately, fewer letters are now posted every day and Royal Mail needs to organise its delivery routes to be as efficient as possible. We also deliver more larger items and so we are investing in new equipment to carry these items to customers even more securely.

“The new equipment also reduces the risk of injury to our postmen and women from carrying heavier mail bags.”

Anyone with any queries can contact the customer services team on 0845 601 1399.