The letters and packets were found by council maintenance workers, who handed them to park lodge resident Cory Campbell — one of the intended recipients.

He immediately contacted Royal Mail, sparking an internal investigation.

The Tele understands that up to 100 items of mail were dumped in the bushes.

They were thoroughly soaked through by rain when finally discovered.

The letters are being dried out before being redelivered.

Recipients will also get a letter of apology from Royal Mail.

A spokesman for the service said security of the mail was foremost and steps were being taken to determine what had occurred in this case and who was responsible.

He said, “It is a criminal offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail and anyone caught doing so will face serious disciplinary measures and is likely to be the subject of a report to the procurator fiscal.

“The safety and security of mail is of the utmost importance to this business and Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women.

“A quantity of mail has been recovered and is being dried out.

“The recovered mail will then be delivered with an apology letter to our customers.

“We would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused by this incident.

“If any customers have any concerns about missing mail they should contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 08457 740 740.”