Hundreds join Facebook bid to reinstate sacked postman

[POSTMAN]

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Hundreds of people have backed a campaign to get a sacked postman reinstated.

For 12 years Carl Dickinson has served the communities of Alston and Nentsbury and the surrounding area.

But he was fired on March 28, after leaving a van door unlocked. There was a company fuel card and collection keys inside the van at the time, but no post.

It is understood that the 44-year-old postman was serving out a two-year warning, after signing for a resident’s letter when they were on holiday – something locals insist is a vital part of living in such a rural community.

People in the towns and villages Mr Dickinson serves have since launched a group on social networking site Facebook, demanding that Royal Mail gives him back his job. More than 240 people have given their backing to the campaign, claiming he not only delivers the post but even feeds their pets.

Arthur Ollie Thompson wrote: “While delivering the post, Carl also fed our chickens while we were away. What more could you ask for in a postman?”

Emma Tulip Ward, who lives in Alston, said: “I’m at a loss as to how this has happened. If they knew what kind of postman he was they might have considered promoting him.

“Too many agency people with no care or consideration work for the Royal Mail all over the UK, and here we have a postie who not only does his job but goes beyond it when it comes to the awful winters we get up here. He is well known for going the extra mile in adverse conditions.”

She added: “Swallow your pride Royal Mail, listen to the people and give him his job back.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Melanie Wood.

“Bring Carl back as he was a brilliant postie, very honest as well,” she wrote. “He deserves to come back; people make mistakes, that’s how life is.

“He’s a pleasure to see first thing in the morning.”

The site is filled with dozens of messages of support, calling him a “true hero of Alston Moor” and praising his joyful nature, willingness to help and professionalism.

Vince Peart said: “Communities like Alston rely on men like this, and it is a travesty that he could be removed from a position he has fulfilled dutifully for many years.”

Royal Mail spokeswoman Felicity MacFarlane said: “The security of the mail is of utmost importance to Royal Mail but we do not comment on ongoing conduct cases.”

Mr Dickinson has appealed against his dismissal and his case is due to be heard by Royal Mail bosses today. He did not want to comment.

The postman has posted on the Facebook site though, thanking residents for their support and asking them not to blame any of the other postmen and women who “all do a great job”.

[oggie]

nice chap

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[fishtank]

That kind of paints a different picture oggie...

[somerset]

Kind of sums up RM . 2 year warning,keys etc left in the van unlocked ! Signed a registered letter ( All the village love him ) except someone ? Yep he is a gonna. He is on rural duty so the DOM was after him , spying .

[UnhappyGremlin]

Can't see it being overturned, not the way things are now.
Hope I'm wrong and I wish him luck.
At the very least, this should serve as a warning to us all, do the job properly, it may just be the difference between keeping your job and joining the dole queue.

[parcelboy]

Not a chance the appeal will be heard by one of those"Impartial Appeals Managers" paid by Royal Mail .Fair hearing i dont think so corrupt through to core.If only the Public really no what happens to the long serving loyal postman being dismissed for anything.

[NWpostie]

It will go to ET and should he win, they will rather pay him off than reinstate him as a matter of pride and expediency.

[RedBagMan]

The beauty of trying to keep the idea of "community postie" going ... now I start to worry if (what I do) is worth keeping on ...