Essex Chambers of Commerce has sent a scathing broadside against Royal Mail to Essex MPs claiming performance to be ''universally unacceptable.''

Chief executive David Crozier, says its effect on Essex's economic infrastructure is ''giving great cause for concern.''

He said: ''Excuses for unacceptable levels of performance have been offered following the introduction of new technology and 'im-proved' automation at various centres throughout the county.

''The experience of business in the performance of the Royal Mail has been universally unacceptable.

''Admittedly, the difficulties at centres such as Boreham have slowly lessened - although it would be hard to say that the level of service has ever returned to standards which were deemed to be acceptable prior to the claimed improvements.

''The frustration of the business community has been compounded by the manner in which the Royal Mail in Essex as an organisation has steadfastly refused to enter into any form of meaningful dialogue at senior level with representatives of the business community.

''It is for this reason that I am seeking your assistance to escalate matters through the appropriate ministerial offices.''

Mr Crozier said Royal Mail's service should continue to be a cornerstone of the needs of the commercial community for many years to come despite the growth in electronic mail and other postal operatives in the market.

He added: ''If the standard of that service fails to meet reasonable levels of expectation with its customers this will prove to be a serious undermining of the economy which we are all seeking to support.

''The Royal Mail's refusal to engage with its customers can only compound such difficulties.''

Essex County Coun-cil says its letters have been late for several weeks and members have been complaining that their agendas have been reaching them close to the statutory time limit for meetings, said a spokeswoman.

Chelmsford West MP Simon Burns said: ''I like to keep a close eye on the post so that I am certain of receiving and replying promptly to constituents.

''There has been some deterioration but no more I think than may be expected at this time of year and considering the railway problems.

''One first class letter seems to have taken from Thursday to Tuesday to reach me but another in front of me was only posted yesterday.

''I have had no complaints from constituents but they probably accept delays because of the current train difficulties and the beginning of the Christmas post".

A Royal Mail spokesman said area manager Mark Rush was meeting Southend MP David Amess to talk about operations and that a date was being sought to meet the chambers of commerce to discuss their worries in January.

He added: ''This demonstrates Royal Mail's willingness to discuss improvements with key organisations and customers. Already we have a monthly meeting with the chief executive on one Essex local authority.

''It is thus terribly disappointing to see claims that Royal Mail has steadfastly refused to enter meaningful dialogue at senior level.

''We do accept some areas of improvement are not being made fast enough. It would be nice however to see some recognition where improvements have succeeded.''

Fifty seven mail trains missed vital connections on Tuesday delaying the post, Royal Mail announced.

By Peter Baker

Reporter's e-mail: peter.baker@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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