We meet the dog that sparked a delivery ban after 'jumping up and barking' at postie

"He's 12 years old and has never bitten anyone in all that time," said Dave as the pair relaxed outside with Brian lapping from a mug of tea on Tuesday morning.

"I was coming out and went to put the lead on when on that particular morning he saw the postman and he was off," he said.

"I did apologise but he is 12 and has never bitten anyone yet so I don't know what the fuss is about."

Dave and Brian live at a housing scheme for the over-55s among people who are mainly retired.

Dave said that the scheme's landlords have told him that Brian must now be kept on a short lead when outside or inside the bungalow.

"We have no problem with other delivery people," said Dave. "The bin men give him a biscuit and he barks at the postman."

Since the incident on Saturday residents of the 18 two-bedroom bungalows have been asked to pick up their mail from the town's delivery office. They were sent a letter confirming the delivery ban the following Thursday.

The Royal Mail has confirmed that anyone who is unable to collect their post from the Shrewsbury Delivery Office will be offered alternative arrangements until they can 'safely resume' a normal service.

Resident Mrs Eileen Jones said: "I think it is a one-off and it's been blown out of all proportion."

Mrs Jones added that the indefinite suspension of deliveries came with no notice and has left residents, some with mobility problems, in a pickle.

"Other delivery people haven't had a problem with Brian," she added. "He's only a little chap."

But Elsie Andrew, aged 81, supports the Royal Mail decision.

"I support them 100 per cent. In our contract it says dogs have to be on a lead.

"Dogs should not be on the loose - I was bitten by a dog when I was six and I know the effect it can have on people and I am afraid of dogs - not this one because he knows me.

"I know this dog but it does look a horrible dog for anyone who isn't a friend."

The Royal Mail has been asked when it plans to end the suspension, which they say is a "temporary measure.

"We treat dog attacks extremely seriously and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our colleagues.”

The company urges people to be aware of what their dogs can do.

The Royal Mail website says: "Even the most lovable dog can be a danger to postal workers.

"Please help us to deliver your post safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way before the postman arrives."

It says that 37 Royal Mail employees are attacked by dogs every week.

"That's a total of 1,912 posties who have been injured from bone fractures to being mauled," the company says.