A SURGE in people taking advantage of Covid home testing kits has caused many post boxes around Cheshire town to be full.

According to Northwich town's MP, Royal Mail has laid on extra collections in the area because postboxes were constantly full due to the sheer number of Covid home testing kits being returned.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury said his office had received many phone calls and e-mails from people living in his constituency to say they were having problems.

He said: "I made contact with Royal Mail after receiving phone calls and emails from constituents struggling to post their PCR tests due to postboxes in and around the town remaining full.

"Residents had to resort to handing ‘used’ test kits to postal delivery staff on their rounds after being unable to post them.

"Royal Mail confirmed there has been a huge uplift in deliveries of home test kits recently – yesterday (Sunday) no fewer than 957 kits were delivered to customers living in Northwich and Winsford.

"I am grateful the operations manager has now offered reassurances extra collections are being carried out and customers should have no difficulties returning the test kits moving forward."

The Labour MP went on to say how Royal Mail will ensure postbox usage in the area will continue to be monitored.