WHEN it comes to delivering letters, this Wellington newsagent has the opposition licked.
Lorraine Lettley, 62, and daughter Trish, 37, have set up their own Welly Post service at EJ Teare after customers complained about the rising cost of sending mail.
The service, which is half the price of a first class stamp, guarantees next day delivery by hand and the team is now posting 250 items a day since launching the venture two weeks ago.
Lorraine said: “Trish thought up the idea because we thought we do deliveries from the shop already, why not offer even more of a service to our customers.
“We had heard people mentioning about the cost of the Royal Mail and we felt it was something that we could possibly help out with.”
Shoppers drop off post at the shop, on South Street, where staff guarantee next day delivery within two-and-a-half miles for just 30p.
And for just 10p extra they will collect letters from customers' homes – 20p cheaper than a first class stamp.
Husband Richard, 66, delivers to half the town on his bike, cycling for up to two hours away day to ensure customers cards arrive on time, while Trish drives to villages where she parks up to hand-deliver post.
Lorraine added: “My husband recently retired and we were looking for something to keep him busy on his bike so this seemed perfect.
“We are thrilled by how it has taken off. People are really grateful for the extra help - and love that it costs less.
“People are so enthusiastic and it is bringing people out of their shells a bit too as it has become a bit of a talking point.
“The reaction has been nothing but positive and we are finding that people are really eager to be loyal to an independent business.”
Lorraine, who worked in the shop for 18 years before she took it over seven years ago, said she plans to run the service all year round.
Mum-of-four Julie Watkin, 55, used the service to deliver a dozen Christmas cards last week.
She said: “It is really great. You know that it is going to get there - and you know who is going to deliver it - and you can't beat the price.
“It feels good to support the local community and be part of something too.”
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