Why posties take life in their hands in Llandudno

LLANDUDNO was among the worst UK towns for dog attacks on postal workers in the last year, as Royal Mail revealed such incidents remain a major concern for staff.

Almost 2,300 incidents were reported last year, new figures show, and although the total number of attacks fell by 8%, there were increases in several areas of the country.

Postal workers bitten by dogs have been left with permanent and disabling injuries, with more than 44 attacks every week, despite years of campaigns aimed at protecting employees.

Llandudno was the only Welsh town to be named on the UK’s “worst affected” areas list, alongside Torquay, Stockport, Oldham, St Albans, Slough, Colchester, Blackburn, Hemel Hempstead and Hull.

Shaun Davis, of Royal Mail, said: “Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK.

“I am pleased that the overall dog attack numbers continue to fall, but I am still very concerned that in some postcodes attacks are on the increase. I am appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls.

“People should remember that 82% of attacks happen at the front door or in the garden, so this is not just a Royal Mail issue – many other delivery and utility companies and local authorities face the same problem.”

Dave Joyce, of the Communication Workers’ Union, said: “The failure of some dog owners to control their animals remains a major concern.

“Seven postal workers are attacked by dogs every working day, which is unacceptable.

“More and more dog attacks happen on postal workers at the front door or in the front garden and that number is increasing as we deliver more onlinepurchased parcels.

“The vast majority of our customers and their dogs aren’t a problem but irresponsible and reckless dog owners are.”