A HOUSEBOUND pensioner says he has been put into financial disarray and his health was threatened because his post has been sent to an address in Manchester - for the last three months.

77-year-old Ian Roper, of Lingmoor Rise, Kendal, has physical ailments which means that he cannot leave his home. He has no email or internet presence so he relies on post to communicate and for financial transactions. 

He said he has not received a new chequebook so has not been able to make outgoing payments, has not had a bank statement, he has no idea what his personal finances are and because he cannot respond to letters from his GP, he has missed two medical appointments. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Ian Roper cannot leave his home because of medical issues Ian Roper cannot leave his home because of medical issues (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Roper said he rang the Royal Mail two months ago after he had received no post in a month.

It was only then that he found out that his post had been redirected to an address in Manchester. He has put in three complaints since then.

A Royal Mail spokesman said it was trying to resolve the issue with Mr Roper.

"It is about time," he said. "Complaints haven been made and nothing happened. I don't know what their problem has been.

"I am not really able to go out. People say just go to the bank I can't do it.

"I have lived with it for a while but it is starting to get on top of me. It is a serious matter, I just can't get anybody to budge.

"I feel very lucky that my bank account hasn't been touched." 

Mr Roper got in contact with his bank and it told him that there were no irregularities in his account, he said. However, only he would know that if he saw his statement. 

A Royal Mail spokesmand said: "The safety and security of our customers and their mail are a high priority for Royal Mail. 

"Anyone who suspects that a mail redirection has been made in their name without their knowledge should contact the Royal Mail customer service team on 03457 777 888 or via the Royal Mail website www.royalmail.com. We have been in touch with our customer about resolving this matter, and are very sorry for the distress and inconvenience that he has experienced.”