Could someone from the Royal Mail please explain why recorded mail is not reaching its destination?

I sent a recorded letter by first class post on July 26 at a cost of 96p. It has still not arrived. I sent another recorded letter by first class and paid another 96p, on August 5 and that too has not arrived.

On speaking to the Royal Mail they advise me to use special delivery at a cost of more than £3 a time.

They also advised me to give 15 working days for my undelivered mail to arrive then apply for compensation. I don't want to wait 15 days nor do I want to apply for compensation, I just want the mail I paid for to get to who I sent it.

Ccould the Royal Mail tell me:

1. Is there still a first and second class postal system?

2. If there isn't, why do they still advertise that there is?

3. Why pay 96p for a standard service recorded letter when it does not get delivered?

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth,

York.

Updated: 11:21 Friday, August 12, 2005