Amazon row as residents claim delivery drivers 'dump parcels in stairwell and escape via fire exit'

A row has erupted after irate residents accused some Amazon delivery drivers of 'dumping parcels in a stairwell and escaping via a fire exit'. Residents at the New Oscott retirement village claimed drivers were failing to deliver packages to their front doors despite paying for the Prime next-day service.

One occupant said parcels had been found under stairwells. There were also large parcel bags left at reception - with "delivered" packages not fully reaching their final destination, they said.

Residents said altercations had broken out with drivers over the "poor" parcel delivery service. Amazon said it had high standards of service and wanted to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

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Desmond Mucklow, 75, told BirminghamLive: "We have around 250 residents, many of whom use Amazon and a Prime account, which should guarantee delivery to their door. But drivers cannot be bothered and dump their large parcel carry bag by reception.

"It's always after it closes at 5pm and we currently have six of these containers which have been left by drivers. Residents pay extra for delivery to their homes.

"All other delivery companies have no problem - this is just poor service. Amazon drivers come to reception and when told to take to apartment they say they have just got to get more from their van and are never seen again. Others make-believe they are taking deliveries to apartments and disappear round the corner to dump the parcels and escape via fire exits most weekends.

"Lots are left by reception and residents get messages to say they have been delivered we have found parcels under stairwells. Residents are paying for front door delivery, how do they deliver to blocks of flats?

"We have complained on a number of occasions and Amazon managers have said they will talk to drivers but nothing changes. It was happening before Covid but has been worse since and some drivers are not very nice when you tell them they should take the deliveries to apartments.

"We've had a visit from a manager from Amazon who promised to look into our issues after his head office were contacted. He promised to keep popping in try and catch drivers out. We will see. He seemed genuinely concerned about how the drivers talk to reception staff and especially volunteers on the desk."

An Amazon spokesman told BirminghamLive: “We have very high standards for the service providers we work with, and will ensure this matter is resolved as quickly as possible.”