SOME might feel that community spirit is a thing of the past but one group of Martlesham Heath residents have recreated a war like spirit – in their fight to keep their postman.

SOME might feel that community spirit is a thing of the past but one group of Martlesham Heath residents have recreated a war like spirit – in their fight to keep their postman.

Darren Fitch has been delivering to around 400 houses on the estate for more than 16 years, but fears loomed that he was to be moved on.

Although a spokeswoman for Consignia said that nothing has been decided yet, furious residents have launched a petition for Darren to stay.

Because to them he is more than just a postman and he will go out of his way to help anyone.

He has found his way into the hearts of hundreds of people on his round and has become part of the Martlesham Heath family.

Alison Hewett from Swan Close is one of the campaigners. She said: "All the elderly people in Bader Court (sheltered housing) think he is wonderful.

"Everyone was in absolute turmoil when they found out he was leaving."

Darren has a reputation of being on hand for everyone and helping them out in his own time – even though he does not live in their community.

Even though many people possibly do not know what their postman even looks like, let alone his name, Darren has become one of the Martlesham Heath family.

Mrs Hewett said: "I don't think Darren realised how popular he is.

"He has seemed quite overwhelmed by it all."

Andrew Sellon is disabled and lives in Avocet Lane and cannot think what he will do without Darren around.

He said: "Darren will always make a special effort not to leave my post on the floor where I will find it difficult to pick it up.

"In the summer when the door is open and I am having breakfast, he will even deliver my post to the breakfast table.

"It is a pity that they will take away such a part of the community."

Christine Blundell from York Road is also involved in collecting names for the petition and said she was horrified when she found out Darren might be leaving.

She said: "The response I had was phenomenal – whole families were getting up from the dinner table to sign it.

"He is reliable, honest and friendly – why are they taking him off the job after 16 and a half years.

"When he has been away some of our post has actually ended up in York Road in Ipswich rather than Martlesham."

A spokeswoman from Consignia said: "Nothing has been decided about the patch covered by Mr Fitch although Royal Mail is always looking at restructuring to make our business more efficient.

"Mr Fitch is still covering his same route."