HOUSEHOLDERS face getting their post later under changes being introduced by Royal Mail.

The OX15, OX16 and OX17 postcode areas – which cover Banbury and surrounding villages – are being affected from this week.

Royal Mail said workers will deliver until later in the day and “many” will 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 delivery routes were being reorganised because the service has been hit by people posting fewer 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.”

Watchdog Consumer Focus warned 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 is a “good chance” many will get their post earlier.