AN 81-year-old former Vale of Evesham sub postmistress who was robbed earlier this year has been told she must pay the Post Office £1,600 out of her own pocket towards the £7,000 stolen.

Now villagers at North Littleton are in Peggy Lovatt's corner fighting for a change of heart by the Post Office.

Widowed Mrs Lovatt was terrified when two men went into her post office and shop and made off with the cash. Despite widespread police inquiries, neither the men nor the money have been found.

At the end of October, Mrs Lovatt retired after 30 years as postmistress in North Littleton and, to thank her for all her years service to the area, villagers collected £1,000 for her.

Neighbour Ian Atkinson, who bought Mrs Lovatt's house, which housed the post office and shop, from her, said: "The day after she moved house, she had the demand from the Post Office and she is very upset about it."

He said her old home was falling down around her, which was why she moved to a nice little bungalow nearby with double glazing and central heating.

"Villagers got together and helped her move house in order to save her money," Mr Atkinson said. "When she told me about the demand for the money I wrote to the Post Office because I was so concerned. It seems the money we collected Post Office Counters now wants to get its hands on."

He added: "Everyone who knows about it thinks it is pretty disgusting. I still hope those who made this decision will have a change of heart."

Mr Atkinson said in a reply he had from Post Office Counters he was told it was an internal matter but had also been told it could be done because Mrs Lovatt was not following proper security precautions.

Consignia spokesman, Don Veale, said: "The current situation is that Mrs Lovatt has been made fully aware of her options, which include the right of appeal. We also understood she would be looking at her insurance policy to ascertain whether she was covered.

"It would be wrong to discuss the procedure involved or the specific details in this case, particularly as the matter is still ongoing."