Householders face getting their post later under changes being introduced by cash-strapped Royal Mail.

The OX15, OX16 and OX17 – which covers Banbury and the surrounding villages – are being affected from this week.

Royal Mail said workers will deliver until later but that many people would still get their post by lunchtime. It said: “The time customers receive mail will depend on where they live on the new delivery route. This may be later, or possibly earlier than current delivery times.

“When mail volumes vary, we may need to adjust delivery arrangements and times.”

It said that delivery routes were having to be reorganised because fewer people were posting letters.

Collection and delivery sector manager Jason Scott, said: “The local delivery team and I are fully committed to providing a high quality of service that is as reliable and friendly as customers have come to expect from Royal Mail in Banbury over many years.”

However, watchdog Consumer Focus has warned that the move would impact on the town’s economy.

Director of postal policy Robert Hammond said: “This is likely to hit some small businesses even harder as they often rely on getting their post as early as possible in order to respond to customers quickly.”

But he said there was “a good chance” many would get their post earlier.