Jon Cruddas MP - May BD Post Opinion

The past week has been filled with discussions about children returning to school next month. Many people including I would support this move if the Government could guarantee the safety of teachers, staff, and our young people. As of yet they are unable to do this. The National Education Union have set out five tests that the Government must meet before they will support the wider reopening of schools;

1- The new case count must be much lower than it is now, with a sustained downward trend.

BD Post Opinion April 2020

Opinion piece from Jon Cruddas MP originally published in The Barking and Dagenham Post on 15.04.2020

Over the past few weeks of uncertainty, amidst a rapidly changing environment, I have been overwhelmingly encouraged by the community spirit in Dagenham and Rainham, and across our country. These are worrying times, but despite the initial panic, we now find ourselves looking out for our neighbours, the vulnerable and our frontline key workers – who are working flat out to ensure our safety.

Royal Mail Introduces Parcel Postboxes in Dagenham & Rainham

Royal Mail is introducing the UK's first ever parcel postboxes in areas across the UK, including Dagenham and Rainham. This follows a successful trial in the LE and NN postcode areas last year which has now led to plans for 1,400 parcel postboxes to be rolled out in total.

The launch marks the first major change in postbox usage in its 160-year history. The parcel postboxes will enable small businesses and marketplace sellers in Dagenham and Rainham to post pre-paid parcels, using Click&Drop, through postboxes the same way they currently post letters.

Sheltered accommodation kept in touch with new post box

With the help of Jon Cruddas, elderly residents living at the Wyhill Walk Sheltered Housing area in Dagenham have secured additional post box facilities.

The decision by the Royal Mail group to grant the post box is great news for the residents who were previously forced to walk a distance to post any letters. The newly installed box will enable many to keep in touch with relatives and receive important post where previously they simply could not.

Jon visits Royal Mail's Rainham Delivery Office

On Friday 12th December Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham, Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park visited Royal Mail's Rainham Delivery Office ahead of the festive season. As everyone knows Christmas is the busiest time of year for the postal service, with a three to four per cent rise in letter traffic owing to the massive amount of Christmas cards. The office manager also highlighted that there can be a rise of up to ten per cent in parcel traffic at the sorting office.