‘Disbelief and anger’ as residents of Staithes and Hinderwell launch campaign to ‘Save Our Posties’

The campaign began when one of the postal workers mentioned to Hinderwell resident Sean Buck that they were to be taken off the round from April 4.

It is believed this is due to a member of staff at the Royal Mail sorting office in Skelton taking advantage of a Royal Mail scheme allowing senior employees to choose the round they work on.

Sean said: “ I set up a Facebook group on Saturday afternoon thinking no-one would care, but people do.”

A press release from the group reads: “The local population value the dedication of these staff greatly and they have become a trusted and integral part of the local community.

“On Saturday 7th March 2020 a “Save our Posties” Facebook Public Group was launched spontaneously by a concerned resident who was quite understandably outraged.

“After only one day the group has well over 300 members.

“The initial feelings expressed by all members were those of disbelief and anger.”

Sean said: “The whole village adore them, they’re part of village life.”

On the Facebook page, one comment reads: “Shelly and Lee are by far the best posties we have had, they always take time out to chat and always have a smile for everyone. It would be such a shame if they were to leave us, you can always tell when it’s not them delivering the post because we end up with all sorts shoved through our doors.”

Another said: “This is terrible….posties don’t just deliver the post, they are well placed to keep their eye out for vulnerable people in our communities and are often the first people to notice when there is a problem – how is a different person every day going to manage to do that?

“Villages like Staithes would also be a nightmare for new people to deliver to…I’ve lived here 11 years and still wouldn’t know where some houses are!”

A third said: “These have to be the best two posties in the country. They know us all so well. Staithes is a difficult area to deliver to so we need those two who already know the route like the backs of their hands. It will be devastating if we do lose either or both of these lovely people.”

The group are particularly concerned as they say the prospect of people being asked to self-isolate due to coronavirus is becoming more likely and familiar faces on the postal rounds help combat loneliness.

Hazel Hickman, Secretary of Staithes Surgery Patient Participation Group, said: “There is no doubt that our two posties keep an unofficial eye out on behalf of Hinderwell, Port Mulgrave and Staithes communities and check up on elderly residents during their daily rounds.”

Residents are being encouraged to write letters to the local sorting office in Skelton asking if there is any way the decision could be reconsidered.

They are due to be delivered on Wednesday March 11.

Royal Mail has been approached for a comment.