“Phil is everything, far beyond someone simply delivering post.” Villagers in a one Lancashire village have launched a petition to save their beloved postie from being moved to a different delivery area.

Villagers in the Lancashire villages of Overton and Sunderland Point have started a campaign to 'Save our Postie’ after learning their popular postman is to be moved to another patch.

They have set up a petition on Change.org which said: “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.

Villagers in the Lancashire villages of Overton and Sunderland Point have started a campaign to 'Save our Postie’ after learning their popular postman is to be moved to another patch.

placeholder image — Villagers in the Lancashire villages of Overton and Sunderland Point have started a campaign to 'Save our Postie’ after learning their popular postman is to be moved to another patch.

"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!”

Tracy Armer said on Facebook: “Save our postie! Phil is a legend in Overton and the village residents will be lost without him. He’s so much more than a postie. The feeling is strong here and a petition has been initiated to change the minds of the powers that be at Royal Mail. Please sign if you are able to.”

Margaret from Overton said on the change.org petition page: “I've lived in the village over 50 years and our postmen have usually retired from the round not been moved on. Phil knows everyone and is a helpful friendly face to the elderly who can't get out too. I hope the post office will reconsider this move and let him stay.”

An Overton resident said: “Phil Turner the postman is highly respected by every single person in Overton and Sunderland Point. He has been doing his round for 12 years and is a gentle, quiet man.

“For Royal Mail to transfer him to another patch is wrong on every level.”

Another resident said: “The support is because - apart from being immensely popular - Phil knows always manages to ensure that people get their mail, especially at Sunderland Point with the tidal issues, and he was a lifesaver for many during Covid.”

Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge is involved, writing: “I know how well Phil is loved in the village (Overton) and it would be such a shame for him to be moved elsewhere.”

She has also contacted Royal Mail.

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.”