FARNHAM residents have complained that despite recent incidents of mail being stolen in the area, postmen are abandoning their bikes and mail sacks for several hours during their rounds.

This week The Herald heard complaints about the practice from residents of Ennerdale Grove and Folly Lane North.

Residents, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed that postmen were leaving mail sacks unattended where they could easily have been stolen.

"I think it's pathetic that this just keeps on happening," one caller said. "They don't necessarily have to carry the bags, as they could ride around with them on the bikes. I believe it is down to Royal Mail's bad management."

The caller from Folly Hill said he phoned Royal Mail after noticing a post bag and bike were left unattended for more than two hours.

He claimed a Royal Mail van appeared shortly afterwards and collected the postman, the bike and the mail bag.

Aspokesman for Royal Mail said: "We are aware of the complaint about Folly Lane. However, the bag on the bike was empty as the postman had finished using it.

"Our people are very aware of the need for vigilance and the security of customers' mail is a top priority.

"Bags of mail are not left unattended for hours by any of our people."