That is the claim of members of the postal workers union who say collections from postboxes will drop from between two or three times a day down to once or twice.

From July 6 final posting times have become earlier at some key Bridlington post boxes as part of an efficiency review by Royal Mail across the East Riding area.

Among them are post boxes at Quay Road head post office are now emptied at 6pm instead of 6.30pm and one near the junction of Cardigan Road and Richmond Street at 4pm instead of 5.30pm.

The Royal Mail say this is to ensure next day delivery.

Dave Dowling, secretary of the York and District branch of the Communication Workers Union, CWU, said: "Our concern is that it will bring a drop in the quality of service.

"We used to collect two or three times a day but these changes will mean it will go down to once or twice a day depending on the area.

"In particular, we are worried about the effect on businesses who will have a smaller window of opportunity."

Bridlington East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor Richard Harrap believes business will suffer and intends to raise the issue at the next full meeting of the council on July 29.

"I am aware that a number of businesses use the post office after close of business, especially those from industrial estates and other out of the town centre.

"My concern is it will reduce services," said Coun Harrap.

It is understood that workers in Bridlington are concerned collections they used to make are now handled by staff who come from a central office at Malton and there is a greater risk of business and the public being let down should there be staff illness or problems.

They also have concerns about the collection time changes which they say are not particularly well displayed on post boxes and if people do not notice the difference they could find their mail stays in the box for another day.

A spokesman said: "We have reviewed our collection routes across the east coast area and are making some changes to improve efficiency and to maintain quality of service for our customers.

"Some final collection times may be earlier and some later than before but, in each case, notices are placed on affected boxes, advising customers of the forthcoming change.

"The revised times will ensure all mail enters our system in time to achieve next-day delivery."

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