Postal services in Greater Manchester could be cut due to a rise in dogs attacking postmen and women.

Residents in Greater Manchester may soon have to seek parcel delivery alternatives after it was revealed there has been an increase in attacks on postmen and women.

According to the Manchester Evening News, residents are being urged to control their pets when deliveries are expected, particularly in the summer when canines are more likely to be outside.

Royal Mail is also holding awareness days for its staff on the issue, to help keep them safe during working hours.

Ian Lumley, a delivery manager for the body, said: "Not all dogs are dangerous, but even the most placid animal can attack if it feels its territory is being threatened.

"Increasingly we have to suspend our deliveries because dogs are on the loose and it is just not safe for our postmen and women."

Postal services in London were recently disrupted after members of the Communication Workers Union held strikes against plans to modernise Royal Mail.

Article Added: 14/07/2009 09:23:47