RESIDENTS of an entire Blackburn street are facing a third week without a postal service after the Royal Mail continued to suspend deliveries following a dog attack.

The company’s decision to boycott Worcester Road, in Whitebirk, branded ‘outrageous’ by a local councillor, came after a postman was bitten while on his rounds.

The dog, a mixed breed puppy named Winston, was on a lead held by an eight-year-old boy in a front garden, against his father’s wishes.

Winston proved too strong for the child and jumped up at the postman, drawing blood from his arm.

Royal Mail issued a letter to every home telling residents that deliveries would be suspended and that they would have to collect their post from the sorting office in Canterbury Street.

The police and RSPCA were both involved with the Royal Mail investigation and made suggestions on how to calm Winston down and make the area safe.

Coun Tony Humphrys said the changes had been implemented by Winston’s owner and he called on Royal Mail to overturn its decision.

The Shadsworth and Whitebirk councillor said: “It is just outrageous that this street is still without post.

“Whitebirk has lost its bus service as it, is due to cutbacks and people are finding it very hard to get into town to collect their mail.

“They have to collect it within 18 days otherwise it is returned to sender.

“I understand that Royal Mail have a duty to protect their delivery people and that’s fine but these residents are being punished for something that they did not do, and it is unbelievable. I have met with Twin Valley, the PCSOs and Royal Mail, as well as local residents who are understandably annoyed. I am aware that the dog’s owner has done as instructed and had the dog neutered and has been taking him to behaviour classes.

“Royal Mail needs to overturn the decision.”

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Mail to Worcester Road is still suspended until we are satisfied that the road is safe.”