Increased safety measures by Royal Mail will soon mean cycling posties in Harold will be wearing crash helmets.

The initiative is being introduced across the country and will result in 37,000 postmen who deliver their rounds on bike wearing the safety equipment.

And the moves have been welcomed by Essex Police and Essex County Council and Royal Mail has said its work force is pleased with the news.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: 'The introduction of crash helmets comes from the 2001 conference of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) which made the call for this.

'Since then Royal Mail has been working with its staff to decide what would be best for our team and to make sure they are happy.

'The crash hats are supplied with snap on visors to help when there is bright sunshine and offer some protection from the rain and there is a reflective strip on the back to make them more visible.

'This has taken a lot of organisation, the safety of our staff is our top priority.'

Royal Mail has also had its postmen go on test rides while wearing them to make sure they are fitted properly and are comfortable while they are riding.

All staff have also had their head circumferences measured to make sure they get the correct size. A spokesman for Essex Police described the move as an excellent safety move and hoped it might act as an incentive for other cyclists to wear helmets.

One cycling postperson said: 'This is not before time. Although there will be some who will not like wearing a helmet I think it is excellent news.

'I do sometimes feel, although I don't think about it, that one day some idiot could knock me down.

'To be honest although a crash helmet may be a little uncomfortable at first like anything you get used to wearing it. I'm all for it.'

Published Friday, January 24, 2003

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