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FAMILIES have hit out at plans to suspend postal services to some homes in the Swansea Valley following a dog attack on a postman.
They have criticised the decision following the incident in Canal Terrace in Ystalyfera, as they say the matter has been subject to a police investigation.
People are faced with travelling to Pontardawe to pick up their parcels and other items of mail.
But artist Catt Spence, of Canal Terrace, said people living in the street were elderly and disabled, making it difficult for them to travel to get their post.
She said: "A Royal Mail person was attacked by a dog in our street, and as a result of this I received a letter that they are going to suspend our mail delivery.
"It's been dealt with by the police and there is no further hazard with the dog owner.
"They suspended our mail, but we have elderly and disabled residents living on our street.
"We have to go to Pontardawe delivery office instead."
Letters have been issued by the Royal Mail following the move.
In it, residents were told: "You may already be aware on November 2, a Royal Mail post person was attacked by a dog while delivering near your property. As a result, a health and safety risk assessment was undertaken and confirmed that the level of risk associated with delivering to your property was unacceptably high due to the threat of further dog attacks.
"Royal Mail will carry out its own further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in due course, and we will continue to work with the dog owner and local police to ensure the dog is restrained.
"I'm very sorry to advise that until such time as we can guarantee this we are unable to access your property and deliver mail safely."
Royal Mail said they were able to offer alternative arrangements for those unable to get to Pontardawe delivery office.
A spokeswoman added that police and the dog warden have been informed.