Residents in a Lancashire village have been told they will lose their much-loved postal worker despite a community campaign, a petition, and intervention from their local MP.
Overton villagers say their postie Phil has become far more than someone who delivers letters during the 12 years he has served the community, describing him as a friend, a lifeline, and a familiar face who knows everyone by name.
The campaign to keep him gathered momentum around two weeks ago when residents launched a petition after learning he was set to be moved to a different delivery round as part of changes at Royal Mail's Morecambe delivery office.
Residents in a Lancashire village have been told they will lose their much-loved postal worker despite a community campaign, a petition, and intervention from their local MP.
Overton villagers say their postie Phil has become far more than someone who delivers letters during the 12 years he has served the community, describing him as a friend, a lifeline, and a familiar face who knows everyone by name.
The campaign to keep him gathered momentum around two weeks ago when residents launched a petition after learning he was set to be moved to a different delivery round as part of changes at Royal Mail's Morecambe delivery office.
"Phil is part of our community and isn't just our postman, he looks out for all the villagers," he wrote.
"He is a lifeline for some of our elderly villagers who maybe unable to get out and about as much as they would like.
"He is always smiling, even when it's a shocking day, and will always have a couple of minutes for anyone."
The issue also attracted the attention of Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Lizzi Collinge, who raised residents' concerns with Royal Mail.
However, in a response sent today, Royal Mail confirmed the move will go ahead.
Kimberley Kelly, from Royal Mail's Chairman and Chief Executive Office, praised Phil's contribution and said the company would ensure the feedback was passed on to him.
"It is truly wonderful to hear such positive feedback about Phil and I will make sure that this feedback reaches him and we formally recognise the great job that he is doing," she said.
"We appreciate the critical role that our Posties play in the communities they serve because, as in this case, they often spend many years in the same areas and get to know generations of the same families.
"We are extremely proud of the fact that the role of a Postie is much more than delivering letters and parcels and that our colleagues are often considered an invaluable part of the community."
Royal Mail said the change was linked to a major reorganisation following reforms to the Universal Service Obligation and that postal workers in Morecambe were given the option to choose new routes based on length of service.
The company said a longer-serving postie selected the Overton route, meaning Phil would have to choose another area.
Ms Kelly added: "Phil has not chosen to leave your area, and I'm sure after 12 years in the same area, he will be sad to move on."
Residents have continued to voice their disappointment.
One said: "Phil is not only our postman but he is also a friend.
"He does a great job and knows everyone in the village.
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"Why change something that isn't broken?"
Another added: "Phil the postie is part of the community.
"He knows everyone and is awesome about going the extra mile to ensure our mail is delivered safely and securely.
"Noticing birthdays and wishing us well.
"He is better than neighbourhood watch at spotting things that are out of the ordinary."
A third resident said: "I've lived in the village over 50 years and our postmen have usually retired from the round, not been moved on.
"Phil knows everyone and is a helpful friendly face to the elderly who can't get out too."
While Royal Mail insists the process has been carried out fairly, many villagers say Overton will be losing much more than a postman.
cutting grass, they where still asking for him two years after he’d left, some gave me Christmas tips to pass on to him & gave me f..k all 