700 sign petition to keep two posties on 26-year Lincolnshir

[TrueBlueTerrier]

700 sign petition to keep two posties on 26-year Lincolnshire round

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/700 ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MORE than 700 villagers have signed a petition to prevent two posties being uprooted from their patch after 26 years in the area.

As reported, angry residents from five Lincolnshire villages were appalled at Royal Mail's decision to change the area where couple Jill and Pete Garton did their rounds.

The Stow couple, who operated in Ingham, Brattleby, Scampton, Aisthorpe and Cammeringham, could now be delivering mail in Lincoln.

Mrs Garton, 50, could transfer to the Goldsmith Walk round on St Giles, while Mr Garton, 52, may end up delivering on Ermine East.

A meeting had been arranged yesterday to hand over the petition.

But it is understood a provisional arrangement has been made to deliver the document to the Royal Mail's Firth Road depot in Lincoln at 1pm Monday.

According to residents, the couple have gone beyond the call of duty for the area. The Gartons keep an eye on people's homes when they're out and delivered post on a sledge during winter.

One of the petition organisers, Virginia Macnaughton, of Ingham, said: "My feeling is it's a retrograde move. It's unbelievable.

"I spoke to one lady who is 96 and she asked why it was happening.

"I tried to explain to her, but I realised I couldn't. There is no sense behind it.

"I've spoken to their modernisation team and they say it is to do with bringing in new equipment. But it just doesn't add up.

"This is not a sentimental reaction. This a minor revolt.

"Every single person we have spoken to has signed the petition.

Nikki-Kate Heyes, 44, of Ingham, said: "It's about having a community and having people you can trust.

"They do so much in their own time and if someone is going to do that, we should support it.

"It was upsetting when we found out."

The petition also has the support of the support of Brattleby Parish Council.

Chairman Mike Spencer, said: "It's a crying shame. I have never known such a strong public feeling about something.

"It just doesn't stack up as logic."

Royal Mail said they would work with residents to arrange a time to receive the petition.

Spokesman Marie Gray said: "It is always gratifying when our customers recognise the hard work of their postman or woman.

"As part of the changes we are making to Royal Mail services in the Lincoln area, some customers may notice that a different postman or woman will deliver their mail.

"However, we can assure customers that all our staff are trained to the same high standards and quality of service will be maintained. There have been no job losses as a result of the changes.

"We understand that residents in the village of Ingham have compiled a petition, which they would like to present to Royal Mail. We will be happy to receive this from them."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

And a "funny" comment from online as well.

by Postie247

Friday, July 15 2011, 8:32AM

“Nice to know the Echo getting facts right.....NOT!
They haven't been on that delivery for 26 years, they both started in 99,97. So in Royal Mail terms they are still newbies in the job. I myself have been in Royal Mail since 1992, which makes me more senior to them and I'm half their age.
No petition is going to get them that delivery back, It's a fair revision and someone more senior has got that easy delivery. The Gartons chose their deliveries in the re-pick and were not forced into any random delivery.
The more publicity you give them, the bigger the laughs they get on the shop floor!”

[fishtank]

Can you imagine if the punters could vote for their postie?....X factor style.
I better start taking in some washing.....

..and would you want that duty now?

[ElvisGaddafi]

And a "funny" comment from online as well.

by Postie247

Friday, July 15 2011, 8:32AM

“Nice to know the Echo getting facts right.....NOT!
They haven't been on that delivery for 26 years, they both started in 99,97. So in Royal Mail terms they are still newbies in the job. I myself have been in Royal Mail since 1992, which makes me more senior to them and I'm half their age.
No petition is going to get them that delivery back, It's a fair revision and someone more senior has got that easy delivery. The Gartons chose their deliveries in the re-pick and were not forced into any random delivery.
The more publicity you give them, the bigger the laughs they get on the shop floor!”

They're 52 and 50 and you're half their age, lets call it 26. And you've been a postie for 19 years. So you started when you were 7...uh ok.