FEARS that new postal delivery charges will cause mayhem for businesses are unfounded according to one town trader who believes Royal Mail will "shoot itself in the foot" by introducing the new policy.

The scheme, whereby residents will pay between £5 and £14 each week to guarantee a mail delivery before 9am, was announced on Thursday, July 11.

The controversial proposal has been given the green light and will be piloted in four areas of the country.

If successful, it will be introduced to other areas, including Bromsgrove.

Anita Mears is chairman of BROMARK, the Bromsgrove traders' association.

She told the Advertiser/Messenger: "I don't believe it will affect too many businesses because many don't open before 9am.

"We certainly won't pay because it's just another unnecessary cost.

"All important documents we send and receive are via e-mail or fax and if Royal Mail go ahead with their proposal more people will use this method of communication, so it will only shoot itself in the foot.

"At the moment I don't think people believe it will really happen but we will have to deal with it when it comes into force."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We have piloted the scheme in four different areas, East Manchester, Llanelli, Plymouth and Sheringham in Norfolk.

"We will introduce three different prices £5, £10 and £14 or people can pick up their mail from the delivery office.

"We will monitor how it has worked over the summer."