Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire, is leading renewed calls for Royal Mail to reconsider its decision to relocate local post lady, Martha Powell, away from Wansford.

Royal Mail wants to move Ms Powell from the village, which she has served loyally for 14 years, to Wittering for the final 20 months of her employment. Local residents cannot understand the reasoning behind the decision which they feel is insensitive to Ms Powell which will leave her needing to deal with a completely new delivery round. A campaign run by villagers has been underway for the last two months in an effort to get Royal Mail to reconsider its proposal.

Mr Vara has written to Ms Moya Greene, Chief Executive of Royal Mail, on behalf of Ms Powell and other local residents who have contacted him regarding the plans. He has also pressed Royal Mail to arrange for the local handover of a petition of some 400 signatures from Wansford and this will be taking place on Friday, 29th August 2014 in Peterborough.

Mr Vara said:
“It is clear that Martha Powell is very well valued and after 14 years of loyal service to Wansford and its residents she is well known.

Postal workers like Martha do more than just deliveries. They often look in on vulnerable residents and their local knowledge can assist in the prevention of crime by spotting suspicious behaviour. This petition shows a groundswell of public opinion in favour of retaining Martha and I hope Royal Mail will reconsider its decision.”

Ms Elin Styles, local resident and campaigner commented:

“The whole village feels very strongly that it is completely unjust and unreasonable that Martha should be moved from a route she has looked after brilliantly for 14 years and so close to her retirement. We are very disappointed that Royal Mail have not been willing to discuss this with us or even comment other than in general terms via the CEO’s office.”