Villagers in north Shropshire have banded together and delivered their own message to Royal Mail bosses: Hands off our postman.

Householders in Hodnet, Wollerton and Marchamley, all near Market Drayton, have come out fighting to try and prevent their postie, Neil Cartwright, from being relocated in cost-cutting measures.

Mr Cartwright has been making his rounds for 21 years.

400 signatures have been collected on a petition in his favour.

Mr Cartwright’s fans said they would miss his local knowledge and the daily contact he offers to elderly residents.

Villagers said they believed Mr Cartwright was being lined up for a move to Market Drayton as part of cost-cutting measures being put forward by Royal Mail.

Now residents have leapt to Mr Cartwright’s defence, saying they will miss a familiar face on the round.

Wollerton resident Angus Taylerson, who launched the petition last month, said about 400 people had signed it at Hodnet’s village store, the Bear Hotel and Hodnet Post Office.

He said: “It seems to be totally contrary to the concept of a Big Society and communities taking care of themselves. It’s a great shame because he has the depth of local knowledge and is a source of reassurance for older residents.”

He added the petition has now been sent off to postal chiefs at Market Drayton together with a letter explaining their concerns.

Mr Cartwright, a father-of-two from Market Drayton, said he was touched by the residents’ gesture. He said: “I’m pleased and surprised the residents I serve have put a petition together.

“I try to put a bit extra into my job, like trying to make sure people don’t have to miss parcels and checking in on some of the older people. I’ve even been invited to weddings and parties for residents on my round, so I will really miss them if I move.”

Richard Hall, Royal Mail spokesman, said: “It is always gratifying when our customers recognise the hard work of their postman.

“The changes at Market Drayton Delivery Office are part of Royal Mail’s much-needed billion pound modernisation programme.

“Some customers may notice that a different postman or woman will be delivering their mail in future. However, we can assure customers that all our staff are trained to the same high standards.”

By Tom Johannsen