VILLAGERS have launched a petition to try to save their postman from enforced retirement when he reaches his 65th birthday next month.
Residents in Moulsford, near Wallingford, are being urged to show their support for Michael Maguire, who has delivered their letters and parcels for the past 18 years.
Royal Mail has told him it will end his contract on February 28, his 65th birthday, seven months before the Government abolishes a law which allows an employer to force staff to retire at the age of 65.
Parish council chairman Clare Kerr, who launched the petition, said: “He’s not just our postman, he’s our friend and he’s the best postman the village has ever had.”
Carol Bemis, 65, of The Street, said: “He always has a smile on his face and it will be a great loss to the village if he has to go.”
Mr Maguire, of Atwell Close, Wallingford, said: “The support from the village and my family has been overwhelming.
“Everyone I meet in the village tells me they’re outraged by the decision. I never knew I was held in such high esteem.”
Royal Mail spokesman Richard Hall said workers could request to stay on after 65.
He said: “However, this is only granted if the role requires a specialist skill or the vacancy could not be filled in any other way.”
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