Lincolnshire villagers petition RM to bring back postie

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Lincolnshire villagers petition Royal Mail to bring back popular postie http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/sto ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HUNDREDS of villagers are calling on Royal Mail to send back their "first class" postie.

After serving Dunston for five years, the popular Pearl Butler was transferred to a new round in Bracebridge Heath.

But villagers weren't happy to see Pearl go and have started a petition to bring her back, which has collected 733 signatures in just ten days.

Dunston parish councillor Len Bannister said people started to pledge their support to the cause as soon as they heard about it.

Mr Bannister said: "I was approached by several parishioners who were concerned about the local post lady being moved.

"We decided to show the strength of feeling and thought we would get a petition together.

"Pearl knows the habits and movements of the older people. Sometimes addresses are difficult and she can ensure the correct mail goes to the correct place. If you get someone new, they struggle."

Mr Bannister said Mrs Butler's knowledge of the area prevented people from having to make trips to the Lincoln sorting office for parcels.

He said: "With small packages if people are not available to sign, she knows who to approach to keep it."

Councillor Marianne Overton, the area's Independent member at North Kesteven District Council, said a meeting had been organised with the company to present the finished petition and make the case for Mrs Butler to return to Dunston.

Mrs Overton said: "People accept change is necessary but this appears to be for no good reason.

"The important point about a local post office person is they understand the community and are able to respond when they see someone's curtains closed unexpectedly and the like.

"They are able to provide an early warning support system."

Mrs Overton said she thought it made bad business sense to move staff around.

She said: "A post office worker who is in an area for a number of years is very much seen as part of the community.

"It's that relationship which makes people want to support the Post Office."

Dunston resident Ian Glaister said: "Pearl has always given us a fabulous service in the village.

"Because she is local to the village she has got to know everyone and watches out for people.

"She has given a first class service over the years and we would like to keep her."

Royal Mail spokesman Marie Gray said: "It is always pleasing 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 our high quality of service will be maintained. There have been no job losses as a result of the changes."