Regulators are investigating complaints about rural services

Roger Trembath drove to the Royal Mail delivery office in Kingsbridge, parked his car in the middle of the entrance and demanded to see a regional manager.

Car salesman Mr Trembath says businesses like his depend on the mail and he cannot afford to wait for it.

He has now been told that his post will turn up before 0815 BST.

'Cannot wait'

A Royal Mail spokesman said it would look into the matter and do everything it could to address Mr Trembath's concerns.

Mr Trembath said: "We cannot wait until mid-morning for our mail. We have insurance documents, confirmation of orders and money transfers.

"There must be many other people in the town in the same position."

Mr Trembath's move comes as postal regulator Postcomm is to investigate complaints from people living in rural areas who say last collections are too early and deliveries are frequently too late.