Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union are locked in last minute talks, ahead of the proposed walkout by postal workers at midday.

The CWU announced a series of two 48-hour strikes, to begin today and on Monday, over a dispute about pay and Royal Mail's modernisation plans.

If the strikes do go ahead, residents in Watford can expect further delays to packages and parcels being sent to the area. The service is still recovering from previous industrial action held in July.

A Royal Mail representative said: "We are still talking to the Communication Workers Union in an attempt to avert the two 48-hour strikes planned by the CWU starting midday today and again from 3am next Monday. We continue to urge the CWU to work with us to modernise the business and to help secure a successful future for the company and its people in the competitive market in which we now operate. Talks are expected to continue this morning."

Postal workers in Watford have also been balloted for additional localised action, in opposition to a change in start and finish times, the cancellation of Sunday collections and the use of agency casuals at the sorting office in Ascot Road. A result is expected to be announced today (Thursday).