Tiny postal strike targets shed

The workers want Royal Mail to guarantee them a future in the village

A postal strike involving just three people has begun in the Somerset village of Woolavington.

The workers say they are protesting at Royal Mail's refusal to guarantee them a future in the village.

Janet Cox, Nick Lock and Dave Chapple will picket the wooden shed that serves as a delivery office for a week.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said despite its small size, deliveries would be disrupted. Royal Mail said contingency plans had been made.

'Must listen'

Branch secretary Dave Wilshire said: "Royal Mail should be aware that this protest strike may be small but it is justified and deadly serious.

"Our members Janet, Nick and Dave are proud of their local knowledge and the personal service they provide, which would be all lost if a village sorting office closed.

"I believe the whole community understands and supports the reasons for our protest but Royal Mail must listen."

The union said it was one of the smallest strikes in English history.

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said: "We are extremely disappointed that staff at Woolavington have chosen to take action when no final decision has been reached on the future location of the unit.

"We are now implementing contingency arrangements to ensure deliveries are maintained in the area."