DOZENS of local traders could face a ‘massive’ problem at this year’s Cheshire Show, after numerous exhibitors’ passes returned to the event’s headquarters after being severely damaged in the post.

Executive Director of the iconic event, Nigel Evans, has voiced his concerns about what this could mean for people attending this year’s event.

He said that the mail arrived at the office, ‘chewed up’ in an envelope, with no return address and only an apology from the Royal Mail.

After ringing his local sorting office in Knutsford, he was informed that the error was due to a new machine at the Warrington mail centre.

Mr Evans said: “This morning was the straw that broke the camel’s back. For the past four to six weeks mail has been coming through which appears to be chewed up, with an apology.

“We previously sent out information and passes to members and traders and now we have received a written envelope inside a plastic bag with an apology- containing exhibitors passes!

“There is no returning address on any of it, so we have no idea who hasn’t received the vital information that they need.

“Once is forgiveable, but this is a dozen times now. We have been told that there is a new piece of equipment at the Warrington branch which is doing it- but that’s not an excuse- if it is doing this then fix it.”

Royal Mail has denied that there is any problem at the Warrington branch, and said that it is ‘extremely rare’ that mail is damaged as it passes through the machine.

A statement from Royal Mail spokesperson, Val Bodden, said: "We apologise if items of mail were returned to the sender in a damaged condition. Every item of mail is important to us as we handle 58 million items a day across the UK. We can investigate the matter further if the sender contacts Royal Mail Customer Services on 03457 740740 with evidence of the damaged mail.”

Mr Evans expressed his concern for those who may not now receive their passes on time, and explained that he has tried to contact the Warrington office on numerous occasions.

He said: “Whenever I try to ring up, there’s an automated voice on the other end.

“Of course what concerns us most now is how much do we not know about. What if there is more that hasn’t been delivered to the right place?”

If you are an exhibitor concerned about your trader’s pass, contact the Cheshire Show at www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk/get-in-touch or call 01565 650200.