POSTAL deliveries could be pushed back to a 10.30am start time following a major overhaul of working practices by Royal Mail.

Residents and businesses across Lancashire could face later deliveries after Royal Mail announced they were looking at a more efficient way of working.

Unions chiefs have hit out at the change and said it could bring chaos to the delivery service.

The news follows initial moves at the Leyland sorting office where postmen were informed they could not leave for their rounds until after 10am.

Royal Mail said the move had been prompted by a desire to make postal workers spend more time in the sorting office before they start deliveries.

They said the change would allow more efficiency in sorting the next day's post.

The changes are to be rolled out at sorting offices across Lancashire and the rest of the UK but Royal Mail claim it would not result in deliveries stretching in to late afternoon.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We are looking at different ways of working right across the country.

"We want to make it more efficient so work the office gets done and then deliveries start at the arranged time.

"The whole day is going to be used as efficiently as possible and although they may be leaving the office a bit later than they have been, customers will still be receiving mail within specification."

A spokesman for the Communication Workers Union said: "People have expectations of mail and when they are going to get it so this could prove chaotic."

However, Postwatch, an independent body who monitor the postal service, said feedback from Royal Mail customers showed that time of delivery was not of great concern.

A spokesman said: "We support the concept of mail being held back a little later if that means a more efficient Royal Mail.

"As most people are at work when it comes anyway the are just happy if they have an assurance that it will arrive at some time during the day."

David Cottam, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "I don't think it will affect businesses that much and most will be able to adapt.

"I don't receive mine till after 10am as it is."