A Shropshire postal worker has quit after an investigation revealed 5,000 letters, statements and cards had not been delivered in the last 10 months, Royal Mail bosses said today.

Church Stretton residents claimed post dating as far back as June last year, including bank statements and details relating to college applications, never arrived.

Susan Dakin, a spokeswoman for Royal Mail, today confirmed that a worker at the Craven Arms Delivery Office had resigned following an internal investigation.

She said all the items recovered had now been delivered to the intended addresses with an explanatory letter which said: “Royal Mail takes the security of mail very seriously and where there is any strong evidence of any wrongdoing will investigate and ultimately pursue those responsible through the courts.”

Councillor Sue Mabbutt, of Church Stretton Town Council, said she had complained.

She said: “Last week, I had a letter explaining what had happened and apologising. They also sent the mail they had retrieved. There were items dating back to last November.”

Resident Alister Lucas said his bank statement had gone missing.

He said: “I received a bank statement that was dated June last year. Royal Mail said the incident was being dealt with, but something like a bank statement is pretty confidential.”

Sharon Jones, who also lives in the town, said she had since received mail from months ago. She said: “We’ve had mail from October last year.”

Royal Mail today confirmed that 5,000 items dating back as far as June had not been delivered.