WHITLAND and Narberth residents are about to see changes to their postal deliveries in the coming weeks.
Royal Mail has announced it is making alterations to the way it delivers post, which could result in mail arriving a little later.
Under the move, postmen and women will use new delivery methods and revised routes.
Bosses say it is essential to adapt to a change in postal demands, particularly the fall of letters and the rise of larger parcels.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said they supported the move.
A Rotal Mail spokeswoman said: "We need to modernise the way we operate.
"We are therefore making changes to maintain our services and to keep our prices as low as possible.
"The way in which we communicate with each other has changed dramatically.
"Unfortunately, fewer letters are now posted every day and Royal Mail needs to organise its delivery routes to be as efficient as possible.
"We also deliver an increasing number of larger items and so we are investing in new equipment to carry these items to customers even more securely."
New trolleys, it says, will reduces the risk of injury to postmen and women carrying heavy mail bags.
Royal Mail will continue to deliver in the morning but for a longer period during the day.
"Many customers will continue to get their mail by lunchtime," said the spokeswoman.
The service says the time customers receive mail will depend on where they live on the new delivery route. This may be later or possibly earlier.
When mail volumes vary, it may need to adjust delivery arrangements and times.
These changes will require a period of adjustment for staff.
Royal Mail's collection and delivery sector manager Darren Dyke said: "The changes to delivery routes will mean that a member of our local and experienced team will still be delivering to our customers.
"The local delivery team and I are fully committed to providing a high quality of service that is as reliable and friendly."
CWU regional secretary for Wales, Gary Watkins, said the union backed the changes.
"Generally speaking, the union is in support of it, because it is better health and safety as it is taking the weight off workers' shoulders," he said.
"It's making the job easier."