A COMMUNITY has rallied round a town postman after he was sacked over an incident involving a wrongly-applied handbrake.

Jim Denslow was let go by the Royal Mail after failing to correctly apply his handbrake during his round in Wiveliscombe.

The post van rolled and bumped into another van, but damage was only done to the post van, including a broken light.

Now, business owners and residents from the area are hitting out at the “disproportionate” decision and are calling for the reinstatement of their beloved postman.

“I love the job and I just want to be back there,” said Mr Denslow.

“The reaction I have got from the people here has been great, I really feel like they are behind me.

“I understand that I could have knocked someone over but nothing that extreme happened.

“Normally people would receive a driving ban for a period of time and that would be it.

“The whole of Wiveliscombe have just been amazing, I have seen lots of petitions asking for me to have my job back.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Petition maker Kate Manfield with Jim Denslow

An online petition was started and has so far received more than 400 signatures asking for the post office to change its mind.

Mr Denslow is currently going through the appeal process to get his job back, but it has left him vulnerable before Christmas.

Comments in support of Mr Denslow on the petition include calling him a “loyal”, “reliable” and “friendly” worker.

Meanwhile, a union ‘gate meeting’ took place that saw the majority of the Taunton office opting for industrial action in support of Mr Denslow.

Christine Carey, of Aisle Altar Hymn bridal store in Wiveliscombe, backed the campaign to get Mr Denslow his job back.

“Jim has been a postman for 27 years and I don’t think anyone would have a bad word to say about him,” she said.

“We feel that his punishment is disproportionate, he feels like criminal now.

“We think a warning would be have sufficient but now we just want to make him smile before Christmas.”

It is believed that an appeal decision will be reached next week.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “As this case is subject to appeal we are unable to comment further at this time.”

To sign the petition visit www.petitions24.com/signatures/reinstate_are_friendly_and_wonderful_postman_jim_denslow/start/20.