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Postmen are refusing to deliver to a block of flats in London unless they are escorted by a group of female pensioners.

Royal Mail only bring letters and parcels to the building in Waterloo if residents and a local councillor accompany them and deliver only three days a week instead of the usual six.

The arrangement began six months ago after a 34-year-old woman living in Rowland Hill flats was accused of assaulting a postman as well as sending threatening emails to Royal Mail.

As part of the bizarre operation, two female pensioners living at the flats watch the postman’s van in case his tyres are slashed.

Maria Linforth-Hall, 69, a local Lib Dem councillor, said: “We are hoping that it will be back to normal, but they are saying that it is unsafe without me or my fellows there to assist.”

Her husband Tony, a former advertising boss who is also 69, sometimes helps with the escort. He said: “I spoke to a guy waiting for a hip operation who could miss it as a result of not getting his post immediately.”

Nicola Blake, the local delivery office manager, wrote in a recent letter to residents: “Royal Mail are unable to recommence a full mail delivery service.

“In November 2012 a resident sent a series of complaints to the Royal Mail which became increasingly abusive and threatening ... in June 2014 the resident assaulted our delivery officer in the lifts. In December the tyres on our vehicle were slashed ... whilst this may be coincidental I am sure you will understand our concerns.”