Ruff justice! Royal Mail killjoys ban fun-loving postman from wearing a fancy dress costume of a dog biting his bum… after ONE customer said it’s ‘insensitive’
- Michael Nelhams wears fancy dress to cheer residents up during lockdown
- Royal Mail bosses said more than 2,000 posties are attacked by dogs each year
- Locals have rallied to the defence of the popular postie over the costume
Royal Mail killjoys have banned a fun-loving postman from wearing a fancy dress costume of a dog biting his bum – because it’s ‘insensitive’.
Michael Nelhams, 51, who has been delivering mail to the people of Mabelthorpe, Lincolnshire for the last 18 years, donned a range of hilarious outfits to cheer up residents on his daily rounds during the lockdown.
But he was ordered to stop wearing a pair of inflatable trousers with a dog biting the rear after Royal Mail received a complaint.
His bosses said more than 2,000 posties are attacked by dogs each year and staff should show ‘sensitivity’ when choosing fancy dress outfits.
Royal Mail killjoys have banned Michael Nelhams (pictured), who delivers in Mabelthorpe Lincolnshiret, from wearing a fancy dress costume showing a dog biting his bum – because it’s ‘insensitive’
The postie, who has two daughters, four step-children and eight grandchildren, said: ‘I’m still going out in fancy dress, but not wearing the dog-biting-bum costume.
‘I’m keeping the spirit of my customers and making many people smile in these hard times in lockdown.’
Locals have rallied to the defence of the popular postie.
Writing on a public community Facebook page, Steven Jubb said: ‘I can’t believe someone has actually complained about that.
Royal Mail received a complaint about the costume and said more than 2,000 posties are attacked by dogs each year (Michael Nelhams pictured)
Postie Michael Nelhams pictured left with wife Nina right
‘What they should be doing is thanking them for doing a fantastic job.’
Missy Sparrow added: ‘Why ruin it for the kiddies and those of us who love to see a bit of happiness in our village?’
Stuart Hurren added: ‘Shame really, as posties are doing their best at making something good at a very difficult time.
Since the lockdown Michael has worn a range of hilarious outfits including a giant whoopee cushion (pictured), a post box, a chicken and a donkey
‘They’re putting themselves at risk every day by visiting all the houses.
‘If having a laugh helps make their job easier and brings a smile to everyone’s face, what’s the harm? Killjoys!’
Since the lockdown Michael has worn a range of hilarious outfits including a giant whoopee cushion, a post box, a chicken and a donkey.
The popular postie (pictured), who has two daughters, four step-children and eight grandchildren, said: “I’m still going out in fancy dress, (but) not wearing the dog-biting-bum costume
Mum-of-three Lindsey Roughan, 33, said: ‘Seeing Michael’s crazy outfits is the highlight of the day for my kids. They absolutely love seeing him.
‘When I heard he’d been ordered to stop wearing the dog bite one I thought it was a joke. He was only trying to make people laugh after all.’
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: ‘Over the last few weeks we have been inundated with messages and pictures from our customers across the country in praise of the extra lengths our postmen and women have been going during the coronavirus crisis to raise spirits, and money, for local charities.
Locals on Facebook have rallied to the defence of the popular postie (pictured)
‘We know that local communities really value what our postmen and women are doing in these challenging times, and we’re really proud of them.
‘On very rare occasions, we have asked colleagues to show sensitivity in their choice of costumes.
‘Last year saw 2,484 dog attacks on postmen and women across the UK, some resulting in serious injury.’