A POSTMAN Pat kids' ride has been sent packing by killjoy officials who say it is a hazard.
For six years youngsters have enjoyed bobbing up and down in Pat's red van outside a shoe shop.
Now owner Sherryl Granger has been warned for not having a licence and posing a health and safety risk.
Yesterday she said: "I have never known anything so petty.
"It's just a van that rocks up and down to the Postman Pat tune. It's not even blocking the pavement.
"Thousands of children have ridden on it. Even more people have walked by and we have never a complaint."
Mrs Granger, 44, added she would not let Pat be driven out of town and had already collected hundreds of signatures supporting him.
She said: "We're going to keep Pat there and send our petition to the management company." Mrs Granger received a letter from precinct manager Shelley Filipi telling her to give Pat the boot.
Ms Filipi said: "Some retailers have material outside their shop boundaries which need licencesand may have health and safety implications."
She added ordering Pat's departure was part of her job to "create the best retail experience possible".
But many customers say the 30p ride, at St Mary's Place, Market Harborough, Leics, is a boon for shoppers.
Mum Jane Unwin, 28, said: "The ride is not in the way and serves a real purpose.
"It stops my toddler son throwing a wobbly when go shopping."
r.chaytor@mirror.co.uk