POSTAL workers are refusing to deliver mail to a block of flats in Dursley because of an ‘unacceptable level of risk’ posed by an aggressive dog.

Royal Mail suspended deliveries to Heath Court four months ago and residents were told they would have to collect their post from the delivery office in Draycott Business Park instead.

A neighbour, who does not wish to be identified, said this came after a dog belonging to one of the residents ‘went for’ their postie.

In a letter to residents, Royal Mail said that they had been unable to deliver to the block “due to a dog loose inside the building”.

They added that “the level of risk associated with delivering to your property is unacceptably high due to the threat of further dog attacks”.

Describing the suspension of deliveries as an “exceptional step”, Royal Mail said due to the serious nature of the incident this had been necessary to safeguard the health and safety of its employees.

Residents, some of whom do not have access to a car, have been collecting their mail from the Draycott delivery office, which is three miles away, since September.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “Our concerns were reported to the local dog warden but so far we have received no assurances from them or the owner that the dog will be secure."

A Stroud District Council spokesman said: “Tenants must abide by our pet policy, which does not allow pets to roam communal areas.

"Any dog-on-person attack should be reported to police.

"Tenants have a responsibility to ensure pets they have do not adversely affect neighbours’ lives.

"In this case we have reminded the tenant who owns the dog of their obligations to the pet policy.

"Our tenant services and animal welfare officers are working to resolve this issue, and we will act on any evidence which shows that the policy is not being adhered to.”