Letter: Let and hindrance

Sir: Following the correspondence about the Passport Agency, there is another twist to the tale.

I posted my application on 16 April and my date of travel is 28 May. I am unable to contact the agency; telephone lines are recorded messages or permanently engaged and faxes ignored. Consequently, I don't know if they are just cutting it fine, or if the passport has been lost in the post.

I understand that if I had paid the extra fee for an application through the Post Office, not only would I have received the passport by now, I would also have had better inquiry numbers. Readers should be aware that this "optional extra" should be regarded as a necessity if you want a decent service.

PAULINE KIRBY

Tadworth, Surrey