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A row has broken out on a street for retirees after Royal Mail stopped deliveries – because of a barking dog, it is claimed.
Brian, a Patterdale terrier, is the residents’ ‘security alarm’ on Alan Gutridge Drive in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. But Royal Mail last week said it was stopping deliveries – allegedly because the 12-year-old pooch barked at a postman.
It is understood the incident – which took place on Saturday, May 25 – has been reported to the police and the county council.
Royal Mail says the delivery ban is a temporary measure while it carries out further enquiries.
Residents on the street, which features 18 two-bedroom bungalows available to over-55s, are split on the issue. Local Eileen Jones told the Shropshire Star that Brian had got out of his owner’s home and “barked”.
She said: “We all had a letter from our management company on Thursday afternoon saying that deliveries had been suspended by the Royal Mail with immediate effect. We are all up in arms about it.”
“Brian is our security, he alerts us when people are around. We all know him around here, I think he’s a rescue dog and when his owner opened the door, off he bolts.”
“I think it is a one-off and it’s been blown out of all proportion.”
Mrs Jones added that the indefinite suspension of deliveries came with no notice and has left residents, some with mobility problems, in difficulty. She said: “Other delivery people haven’t had a problem with Brian – he’s only a little chap.
“We have carers coming round, food delivery vans and DPD drivers and none of them have complained.
“We pay the Royal Mail to deliver post and they aren’t doing it. That includes the delivery of some people’s medication.”
The note delivered to the residents says they can pick up their own post at the Shrewsbury Delivery Office at Castle Foregate. But it gives specific hours when they can do that. And Mrs Jones added: “It is not easy for people with mobility problems to park up and go to the post office during the rush hour.
“We also don’t know if we have got any post to collect, so it could be a wasted journey.”
However, Elsie Andrew, 81, supports the Royal Mail decision. She said: “I support them 100 per cent. In our contract it says dogs have to be on a lead. Dogs should not be on the loose.
“I was bitten by a dog when I was six and I know the effect it can have on people and I am afraid of dogs – not this one because he knows me. I know this dog but it does look a horrible dog for anyone who isn’t a friend.”
A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “Deliveries have been suspended while we carry out further enquiries. This is a temporary measure.
“We treat dog attacks extremely seriously and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our colleagues.”
The Royal Mail has confirmed that anyone who is unable to collect their post from the Shrewsbury Delivery Office will be offered alternative arrangements until they can “safely resume” a normal service. Howeer, the company urges people to be aware of what their dogs can do.
The Royal Mail website says: “Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers. “Dogs are territorial by nature and if they feel they need to protect their family, they can become unpredictable. Please help us to deliver your post safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before the postman arrives.”
It says that 37 Royal Mail employees are attacked by dogs every week – adding: “That’s a total of 1,912 posties who have been injured, from bone fractures to being mauled.”
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