A Harlech man fears his identity and that of others applying for concessionary travel cards could be compromised after sensitive documents he sent in the post were redirected.

Andrew Merriman, 63, contacted the Cambrian News to share his concerns and warn others.

Since September, Transport for Wales has been working alongside Welsh councils and the Welsh Government to roll out new travel cards to replace the old council-issued bus passes which will no longer be recognised after 31 December.

To receive his new pass, Mr Merriman had to send sensitive information through Royal Mail to TFW, and posted his application and required documents, 2nd Class Signed For, at Porthmadog Post Office on 16 September. But the next day, he grew concerned.

“On 17 September I noticed the tracking information showed that the documents had been redirected and, despite having sent the documents to be signed for, the tracking information did not detail whether the documents had arrived,” he said.

“After enquiring about the missing documents in Porthmadog Post Office, I was told they had been redirected to Hull.”

He was also told that he would not receive further tracking information or signatures, due to the volume of letters concerned.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “All items of mail are important to Royal Mail. On this occasion we believe we have delivered the customer’s mail item to a redirected address without obtaining the required signature for which we are sorry.

“We would be happy to reimburse the customer the additional charge they paid for the Signed For service. In this instance we would recommend that the sender checks with the recipient as to when they have received the item.”

Confirming they have received Mr Merriman’s documents, a TFW spokesperson said: “We have located the gentleman’s details and documents. They are safe with us, we will get back to him as soon as possible.”

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