Villagers back royal postman

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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THE sacking of a popular Royal Mail postman whose route includes the family home of the future queen is prompting angry villagers to spring into action to help him win his job back.

Villagers have launched their Saving Postman Ryan petition in response to the dismissal of Ryan Naylor, who has been delivering mail for 18 years and less than four months ago was rubbing shoulders with royalty at Kate Middleton and Prince William's Westminster Abbey wedding.

The Stanford Dingley postie - in his 40s - whose route includes the Middleton's family home in Bucklebury, was fired by Royal Mail with bosses citing the "wilful" delay of post as their reason.

Fellow Royal Wedding guest, John Haley, landlord of The Old Boot Inn, Stanford Dingley, who started the petition, said: "Ryan is one of those old-fashioned postmen and one of the nicest people you could meet.

"He was a bit slow at delivering post sometimes, but if you asked all his customers I think you'd be really hard pushed to find someone who minded. He is too shy to speak to the press, so we have launched this campaign in an attempt to show how popular he is."

The sacking has sparked outrage among Ryan's friends, customers and neighbours, who have been queuing up to show their support for the postman, who is expected to appeal the dismissal, and sign the petition, which already has more than 100 signatures.

The campaigners have also organised a day of entertainment at the pub on Monday, August 29, where Ryan will be invited along to greet his supporters and there will be live music and a barbecue from 1-7pm.

Royal Mail spokeswoman, Valerie Antoine[corr], said: "We can confirm that we have terminated the contract of an employee after a quantity of mail appears to have been wilfully delayed. It is a serious offence to tamper with or delay the delivery of mail.

"Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women."

[noggin1969]

"Royal Mail will not allow the actions of any individual to damage the good reputation of our thousands of hard-working postmen and women."

Although it will let its own actions and business plan do that