The Royal Mail has condemned as "unacceptable" the dumping of letters in the lobby of a block of flats in Northlands Drive, Winchester, instead of delivering them to the eight apartments.

They weres found by one of the residents, retired news photographer, David Packman, who said: "I don't think it is unique. I have heard stories of people having problems all over Winchester. The usual service we get from our regular postman is superb.

"It is these part-time agency staff who are the problem. When I complained to the sorting office in Winnall, I was told some of these temporary agency staff can't read or speak English."

A Royal Mail spokesman said the incident would be investigated. "Obviously, that is unacceptable and we do apologise.

"So far as possible, we try to use full-time staff, but sometimes we have to call in temporary staff. They are all vetted by the agency to check that they can read and speak English and are up to the job but, obviously, they will need training because unlike the regular guys who do it all the time, it is new territory to them."