7 January 2011 Last updated at 08:06 ET

Royal Mail managers in Warwickshire to work weekend

Residents have complained about delays to their deliveries

Royal Mail managers are being told to work over the weekend to clear a post backlog in south Warwickshire.

There are believed to be tens of thousands of items undelivered in the Stratford area following changes to working practices.

The Royal Mail has apologised for the disruption, blaming snow and new working arrangements.

Delays in the Stratford depot have caused disruption in Warwick, Rugby and Kenilworth.

Communication Workers Union spokesman Dave Hatton said: "Introducing people with vans or lightweight lorries is actually slower than people cycling or walking with a pouch.

"It's safer, and there are lots of other advantages to it, but it's slower. Royal Mail never appreciated that."

Last month the Royal Mail said it was "pulling out all the stops," and met Conservative MP for Warwickshire, Nadhim Zahawi, to discuss the delays.