A PRIVATE security operator has approached Australia Post with a solution he believes could see mail services reinstated to a troubled area of West Dubbo.
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The man, who did not wish to be named at this stage, was among those affected when Australia Post banned posties from the area after groups of children spat at and threw rocks and bottles at them.
The Leavers Street resident told the Daily Liberal he and others were sick of having to collect regular mail and parcels from the local post office for the past three months since the postie ban came into force.
Meetings between Australia Post, residents, Dubbo City Council and police have failed to come up with a solution that all parties are happy with, with Australia Post maintaining it will not allow posties back into the area until it can be sure it is safe for them to do so.
The resident said he had made an appointment to see Parkes MP Mark Coulton this week to discuss the proposal.
He also sent a letter to Australia Post outlining his plan, along with a quote for the provision of the service.
"I am offering to follow the postie in a vehicle around the affected streets," he said.
"I expect it would be for between two and three hours per day, five days per week.
"I'll be keeping an eye out to make sure there are no problems from anyone who wants to make trouble for him or her."
He said he hoped Australia Post would consider a one-month trial of the service, which he quoted about $1740 per week to provide.
"It would cover Crum Avenue, O'Donnell, Leavers, Alcheringa, East, Coolabah, Wattle and Illoura streets," he said.
"I've also drafted a letter that would go out to residents asking for their support in this, to call me if they see juveniles or kids hanging around so it can be nipped in the bud so the postie can carry out their deliveries."
The proponent of the security service said he would also be installing a dashcam on the vehicle that tailed the postie.
"The camera will record any trouble, and I'll keep the footage for seven days," he said.
"If there's no trouble we can delete it then."
The man said he discussed the idea with some neighbours to find out what they thought of it before making the formal proposal.
"They liked the idea," he said.
"They think all of this is taking way too long to sort itself out and like me, they're sick of going to the post office to pick up their mail."
