UNEXPECTED closures at a Barrow sorting office has left one frustrated customer calling for an improved mail service.

The Royal Mail sorting office in Abbey Road experienced two unplanned closures within the past week, leading to concern among customers.

The site shut its doors unexpectedly on Saturday June 10 and for a period of time on Tuesday June 13.

The office is currently open from 8am until 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8am until 12pm on Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Thursday.

One customer, who asked to remain anonymous, said unplanned closures are ‘so frustrating’ when tying to pick up recorded deliveries.

He said: “It’s frustrating as this isn’t the first time on a Saturday (in recent months) the Sorting Office has been closed unexpectedly. Surely they have a back up plan/rota to cover.

“I’ve been desperately trying to get my important signed for mail, but they’re never open when advertised! Doesn’t help that I also went on Monday afternoon - when they also have a planned closure.”

One closure notice stated that the office was closed due to staff shortages, and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

The customer has questioned whether the unplanned closures meet Royal Mail standards – and has called for the services to be reviewed.

He said: “I think they really need to review the level of service they’re offering to locals and if this falls in line with the post office’s operational standards.”

A spokesman for Royal Mail confirmed the unplanned closures were both unique circumstances which stopped the staff member from opening up.

Responding to concerns surrounding staff shortages, Royal Mail said they have contingency plans in place and will ensure no other closures before the stated times.

Royal Mail, which was privatised in 2013, has spent nearly a decade trying to revamp the business amid a decline in letters and a surge in online shopping that has led to an increase in competition for parcel deliveries.