DOZENS of post officers are stood outside the Royal Mail office in the town centre after staging a walkout this morning.

The postal workers have been outside the delivery office on Liverpool Road since approximately 8am today.

The Star understands the walkout has followed a dispute with management. More than 100 workers are taking part in the walkout.

Postmen and union reps would not give comment on the matter when asked.

When asked for comment by the Star, Royal Mail spokesperson Sally Hopkins, said: "Royal Mail is disappointed that unballoted industrial action is taking place today at St Helens delivery office. This covers the WA9, WA10 and WA11 postcode areas.

“We sincerely apologise to customers in these areas for any disruption to their mail services.

"We are doing all we can to minimise this disruption by bringing in extra resources from the neighbouring area. The customer service point is open as usual for customers to collect items for which we have left  a ’Something for You’ card."

She added: “Mail collections from postboxes in the area may also be affected this afternoon so customers are advised to post mail outside of the area, drop mail off at any main Post Office branch or at the delivery office (23 Liverpool Road, St. Helens, WA10 1AA).

“Royal Mail is fully committed to the process to resolve concerns of postal workers based in the St Helens office by following the national jointly agreed framework with the Communication Workers Union (CWU)."