A PAPER road sign has been drawn up to stop bills and confidential letters going to the wrong addresses on Hereford's newest street.

The problems began when eight new homes were built in Newton Farm without any street signs to alert postmen and delivery drivers to the new development.

This saw mail meant for the eight new properties making up Vortex Way ending up at the corresponding numbers of those living on the nearby Waterfield Road.

Frustrated residents have blamed the postal mistakes on a lack of signage and fear that a paper "Vortex Way" sign tucked under an existing Waterfield Road one will do little to clear up the misunderstandings.

One woman, who moved into Vortex Way in December, says the confusion has led to her not receiving gas payment cards as well as problems registering to vote.

"I phoned British Gas as soon as I moved in but I had not received a payment card," said Allison Burgoyne, who was among the first to move into the new homes.

"The first I heard from them was when I received a huge bill. That came here correctly but the payment cards before it didn't, even though they said they had sent three out.

"I now assume they sent them to the same number as me but on Waterfield Road. It's been a nightmare."

The 'mystery' address has also proved a headache when ordering food.

"Takeaways are a nightmare," added the 34-year-old.

"Dominos doesn't think we exist while I've also had problems registering to vote as they cannot find a postcode."

On the other side of the coin is Zena Rees, 47, who lives in the neighbouring Waterfield Road and has received post meant for those living at the same number as her on Vortex Way.

"We've had lots of letters not meant for us," she said.

"Some have been from British Gas; we've had about three of them.

"Others had 'confidential' on them. Neighbours have had the same problem as well.

"I've gone down to the house three times to give them letters.

"They should have worked it out a lot better before they built them.

"It's been a bit of a pain. We don't know if we've lost post at the other end."

Keepmoat, which built the homes, said a permanent solution to the problem will be installed within the next month.

"We can confirm this matter has already been addressed and we are working together with Herefordshire Council to acquire and install a new street sign for Vortex Way," said a spokesperson for the company, which is based in Yorkshire.

"The new permanent street sign will be clearly visible and we expect it to be in place within a month."

Herefordshire Council said signage installation "is part of the developer's responsibilities", adding it is confident the issue is being addressed.