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Postal workers who were given a police escort after fears for their safety say they continue to be verbally abused by residents.

Deliveries have been suspended at Holly Road in Risca after Royal Mail staff were “threatened and intimidated” causing police to intervene.

Royal Mail said that while they attempted to deliver to residents at the block of flats on Thursday with police in attendance, one of their postmen was verbally abused.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman, said: “Royal Mail did attempt deliveries to residents in Holly Road, yesterday with the police in attendance.

“Unfortunately one of our postmen was again abused verbally.

“The suspension of deliveries will remain in place until we can meet next week with the council and police to see what can be done to resolve this issue, so that our people can deliver safely without any kind of threats as they carry out their roles.”

Gwent Police previously said that they are investigating an “isolated” incident on June 15 where items were thrown from a flat window, missing a postal worker.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman added: “Our staff have previously been threatened and intimidated, including having items regularly thrown at them as they try to deliver residents’ mail.

“The safety of our staff is of paramount importance to us and the decision to suspend mail deliveries is never one we take lightly.”

This caused the Royal Mail to suspend deliveries in the area, meaning the 80 residents now have to travel up to five miles to collect their post from Abercarn Delivery Office.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, Jim Neesam, said: “We understand that there are heightened emotions in the community at this time but we urge members of the public to refrain from making unhelpful or negative remarks towards members of the postal service.

“Our offer of a police representative in the area while deliveries are being made, is still available if and when deliveries are resumed.

“Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We are working with our partners and the Royal Mail to resolve this situation as soon as possible.”

Tori Clarke, 26, a resident in the block of flats, said: “It’s a minority that has affected everyone.

“It’s sad that it’s got to come to that it [the post] takes a police escort to get delivered.

“But if that’s how they feel safe then that’s what they need.

“Police have got better things to do with their time than escorting postal workers, but this is not going to work all of the time.”

A resident for around seven years, Tori added that police have been parking outside the block of flats to keep watch.

She said: “Things have never been this bad.

“You do get a lot of people called up here, but I suppose everywhere has somewhere like that.”

A Caerphilly Council spokesman said: “A spokesman for Caerphilly Council confirmed that the council is seeking to obtain further information from the Royal Mail about the nature of the problems being encountered at this location.”

Royal Mail apologised to customers and said mail can be re-delivered to an alternative address in the area.