Posties’ year-long stand-off over dangerous dog

A YEAR-LONG stand-off which has seen Royal Mail postal workers refuse to serve a street due to a dangerous dog will not end unless their safety is made certain – despite residents missing out on vital hospital appointments as a result.

Those who live on Hall Avenue in Jump – many of whom are elderly and disabled – have been forced to travel to Wombwell to receive their post, with some missing out on urgent information about appointments due to the delays.

Royal Mail workers stopped delivering mail to the street after one employee was attacked by a loose dog and, despite attempts to reinstate it since, all have failed.

Barnsley Council, Berneslai Homes and the Royal Mail have been working together to resolve the matter, but after months of discussions residents feel they are no closer to finding a solution.

One such resident is 75-year-old Stewart Kirk, who is currently waiting to have surgery on his foot.

He told the Chronicle: “I’ve lost three hospital appointments and I’ve got another operation I need to have.

“I’ve asked the hospital to send me a text, but they’ve said that they can only send stuff online instead of through the post and I don’t have a computer.

“So it means going down to Wombwell every day on the bus – I’m disabled, as many are around here.

“You’ve got to get down there between 8am and 10am, or wait until Saturday when they’re open until midday.”

Stewart doesn’t blame the Royal Mail for protecting staff but says working with authorities to try and solve the issue has been ‘like hitting fog’.

His neighbour, 66-year-old John Taylor, is facing the same issues with his mail and has cataracts in both his eyes.

“Why should we have to traipse down there when someone else is causing the problem?” he added.

“There’s just wanton disregard for everyone else on the street.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Deliveries to Hall Avenue remain suspended due to a dog being out unrestrained, thereby breaching previous assurances.

“The team at Wombwell’s delivery office will work with the authorities again to try and resolve the issue.

“Deliveries will not resume until we are sure our colleagues will be safe whilst carrying out their work.

“We are in the process of putting in place alternative arrangements for any customers who contact us and are unable to get to the delivery office to collect their mail.”

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, confirmed that the council is working to find a solution.

“We are aware of a situation on Hall Avenue in Jump and have worked with local residents to establish a number of measures to address the situation.

“We understand the frustration from residents whose mail deliveries have been suspended, but we will continue to work and do all we can to find a resolution.”

Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, said residents had contacted her to raise the issue.

“Residents of Hall Avenue in Jump have been in contact with me as their MP to raise their concern over their post not being delivered.

“I have contacted Berneslai Homes and Royal Mail on behalf of these constituents and await further information on how deliveries can recommence.”