RESIDENTS in Epping Forest have spoken out in support of the district's postmen and women ahead of this week's nationwide strike action - but opinion remains divided on whether industrial action is justified.

This Thursday and Friday will see Britain's postal network grind to a halt as thousands of workers take to the picket lines over the Royal Mail's proposed 'modernisation' plans.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which called the strike, fears the changes, which include the introduction of automatic letter sorting machines, could lead to thousands of job losses.

The Royal Mail in turn argues that it has to make changes in the face of annual losses of £170million and a pension deficit of £6.8billion.

The Guardian decided to hit the streets and ask the people of Epping Forest what they though of the strike, and what their neighbourhood postie means to them.

Colin Morton, 62, of Epping, said: “I'm very disappointed with strike.

“The post is already going down the pan what with things like emails and I don't think it's going to do them any good.”

Linda Barrett, of Theydon Grove, Epping, said: “I'm not that concerned about the strike. I think they should stand up and say what they think as long as they've thought out what they're doing and what the consequences are.”

Kenneth Chittock, 84, of Epping New Road, said: “I think they're trying to get as much anxiety going as they possible can.

“I don't think they really know the impact it will have. I don't think it will make much difference to their cause.”

Marie Crehan, 78, of St Helen's Court, Epping, said: “The whole thing is rather sad. It does seem a shame that it's going to disrupt so many businesses.

“I've just moved to Epping from Ongar and my postman there was wonderful, and I think generally they're always very helpful.”

Kathleen Whittr, 87, of Emerson Way, North Weald, said: “It is sad at the moment with all the unemployment in the country, and I think the strike could put their own jobs in jeopardy.

“What bothers me is the big bonuses the bosses get.”

Anita Millar, 50, of Fiddlers Hamlet in Epping said: “I'm supportive of them. I don't approve with strikes usually but I just feel that postal workers on the ground have been treated so badly.

“Postmen and women play such a vital part in the community and it would be terrible to see them disappear from daily life like what has happened with milkmen.”

But her husband Bob Millar, 53, said: “I do agree with most of that but I think a strike is the worst thing for them to do at the moment. If the cuts are being made because they're losing money then the strike is only going to lose them even more money and make things worse.”

Katy Rounce, 34, of Bishop's Stortford, said: “Redundancies are a fact of life at the moment - it's going on everywhere and I don't know if people striking can help stop that.

Her mother Annette Everett, 60, of Thornwood, Epping, said: “Postmen are such an important part of the community – we love ours.”