Campaign launched to stop Royal Mail from replacing much-loved postman by Northampton villagers

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news ... rs-3342733

Residents of a village near Northampton have launched a campaign to stop its 'hero' postman from being replaced by Royal Mail against his and their will.


Kislingbury's postie, Jonathan Dolling, is reportedly being swapped for two new postal workers in the next few weeks as a computer has generated new routes for its staff.

Campaign organiser Sharon Spencer has enlisted other villagers to get involved, with 239 people signing an online petition so far, and questions being asked of Royal Mail.

"He's our hero, there's nothing you can't ask of him, he goes above and beyond," she told the Chronicle & Echo.

Ms Spencer started the campaign after Jonathan told her about Royal Mail's plans three weeks ago, which meant she might not see him after his holiday.

She tried to email Royal Mail about it but found it 'very difficult' and only got 'non-committal responses' and suggestions to contact other departments.

The Kislingbury resident shared the news on a village Facebook group and the reaction led to the campaign and petition, which is also in paper form.

Villagers have also been questioning Royal Mail over email and telephone, including trying to contact the delivery office in Crow Lane, Northampton.


"We're doing all that we can we can to keep our postman, we don't understand the reason for the change," she said.

"Obviously I understand if someone doesn't have a good route or isn't very successful then they need to move.

"But from what we understand, they're taking Jonathan away and replacing him with two people which doesn't make economic sense but he's part of our community so why punish us and him? If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Ms Spencer was full of praise for Jonathan, saying he often stops to chat to people while delivering post and describing him as 'absolutely fantastic and part of our community'.


Vulnerable people in the village trust him, especially during the coronavirus lockdowns, during which he raised lots of money for charity by dressing up in a different costume every day.

Ms Spencer said he has been 'overwhelmed' by the support but does not want to get involved in the campaign in case it jeopardises his job or his relationship with his employer.

Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.

[scoobydo79]

Groan! Don’t You just love these posts? Man up Jonathan .Your going to be delivering elsewhere. Just like many others including Me. These public lynch mobs are not considerate enough to think of the two new guys on the delivery who everyone will hate.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Groan! Don’t You just love these posts? Man up Jonathan .Your going to be delivering elsewhere. Just like many others including Me. These public lynch mobs are not considerate enough to think of the two new guys on the delivery who everyone will hate.

To be fair from reading the article he is trying to distance himself from the campaign so I don't think "manning up" is an issue.

[scoobydo79]

Groan! Don’t You just love these posts? Man up Jonathan .Your going to be delivering elsewhere. Just like many others including Me. These public lynch mobs are not considerate enough to think of the two new guys on the delivery who everyone will hate.

To be fair from reading the article he is trying to distance himself from the campaign so I don't think "manning up" is an issue.

Agreed. Perhaps He could go a step further and tell His customers it’s pointless getting a petition. Also maybe mention that the two new guys are nice blokes and it’s unfair on them.Anyone who’s been the “usurper “ after RM have turfed off a postman who has the sun shining out His backside will get this. You are a figure of hate especially if You don’t bend the rules like the old guy.

[toonshola]

I love how the customers think 2 people are going to be delivering the round he used to on his own. In reality these two new guys are probably absorbing his and 2 other delivery’s between them. If only the general public knew how our workload keeps increasing, they would be best off having a petition on that.

[Haditup]

You are a figure of hate especially if You don’t bend the rules like the old guy.

Have been that “The other Postman use to post the Special Delivery through the letter box he was a lovely chap”

[Shirtbuttons]

He always has time for a chat. I wish I did.