Failure to deliver...

[Admiral]

A plea for help folks.

Has anyone got, tucked away in a back pocket somewhere, an English speaking helpline for La Poste?

I expect there might be one hiding  here in the vaults of Around Monty, but if there is I can't find it.

The problem is their abject failure to redirect mail to the UK despite us signing up to a contract to get mail sent to England - especially during these less than exciting Covid times.

Writing to them (using a translation website I hasten to add) has been met with nothing.  Zilch.  Silence.

I know the French are not renowned for their "skills" when it comes to customer services i.e.  they're zero, but I really need to attack (sorry, speak) to someone on the telephone who can get this sorted.

In quivering anticipation.

[Brian]

+33 810 821 821 is the English speaking helpline . I think it's meant for parcels but once you get through plead nicely and they may decide to help...

I've found the only way to get a response to a letter is to sent it 'recommandé avec accusé de reception'. If you need to do that, email me the letter and I can print it out and post it to them.

Failing that, could I visit your house and collect/forward any mail that has been left in your box? I have a battery-powered angle grinder that should get me in  

[Admiral]

Thanks for the number big fella.

When I finally got through - on day three - it iturned out to be exactly what you thought - a "find my parcel" service.

The hag on the other end of the phone was not interested in helping out with other numbers etc.  

Good to know "customer service" a la francais is alive and well.

[Brian]

Oh gawd...

My offer still stands, Admiral!

[Admiral]

Thanks for the offer Brian.

But the thought if you attacking the postbox with an angle grinder really doesn't appeal.  

I am going to try the registered letter aporoach to La Poste first......when I can find a suitable address to write to.  Like all big corporations they make life as difficult as possible for the poor old customer.

After that......who knows????

[Brian]

I think the main contact is Médiateur du groupe La Poste at the following address:

Le Médiateur du groupe La Poste
44, boulevard de Vaugirard
CP F407
75757 Paris cedex 15

Unless it's sent lettre recommandée accusé de réception I suspect they'll ignore it as that seems to be standard practice in France. If you want to follow that route and you're still in the UK I'd be happy to print and post it for you.
Brian

[Clive Gardner]

You may be able to ask your postie to leave the letterbox unlocked,obviously removing all mail by someone known to you .You can buy a new barrel or ask a cordonerie to cut you a key which will open your lock and pass the key to someone you know.Don't know if this helps at all.

[Admiral]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions chaps.

Clive your idea sounds possible but a lot of bovver.

However - after the registered letter (to which they never replied) - the post in now being re-directed.  Or we can only assume it is judging by what is coming through the door.  The mystery is what isn't arriving.  If anything.  We've even had a copy of Centre Presse arrive which I could have done without.

Agan, many thanks,    

Watch this space.