Villagers in Overton and Sunderland Point have started a campaign after it was announced their popular postman was being moved to another area.
Phil Turner has been on the round for the last twelve years, but will soon be moving to another patch as part of reorganisation by the Royal Mail local delivery office.
Local resident Charles Scanlan told Beyond Radio: ‘’Phil is a hugely respected member of the community.
‘’He is a lifeline to some of our villagers who are elderly and disabled and as a consequence unable to get out and about.
‘’I am reliably informed that he is not the only route affected. In our particular case Phil wasn't even consulted over this and was told he was moving.’’
The ‘Save Our Postie’ petition on Change.org as now attracted almost 300 signatures.
It says: “In just two weeks time our absolute legend of a postman Phil is set to move to a new round, all because of a shuffle about with jobs and new divisions within the Post Office sorting facility.
‘’After 12 years of respectfully, politely and dutifully delivering our mail, and being a much loved village familiar face, Phil really is everyone’s friend. Within our small rural community, he is one of us!
“Phil has always been a smiling faced visitor asking how you’re doing, how family members are, and genuinely caring about your reply, he knows us all by name. That detail matters. Letters and parcels always come to the right place without fail.
“I’ve had countless hugs when he’s been to see me when I’ve really needed them, and it’s changed my day for the better. For the many elderly residents in our village, Phil is everything, far beyond someone simply delivering post.
"Sometimes he’s the only person they will see, and talk to, and he’ll take every effort to help them if they need it. He was a literal life line for many during Covid and lockdown and we now can’t just see him go, over some admin change?
‘’We really don’t want to lose him and we urge Royal Mail to show some care and support towards our community and let Phil stay!”
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “It means a great deal to hear how highly Phil is regarded by people in Overton.
‘’He has served the community for 12 years and we will make sure their kind words are shared with him and formally recognised.
“As part of changes at the local delivery office, Phil will be moving to a different delivery area. We know residents will be sorry to see Phil move on, but the colleague taking over the route is highly experienced and we are confident they will continue to provide a great service to the community.”
You can view the petition here
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