EXCLUSIVE: Popular station master and his dog George are welcomed BACK to Surrey ticket office as South Western Railway bosses U-turn on banning his pet from work after thousands of customers leapt to his defence
- Station master Richard Bunce, 54, and his dog had been adored fixtures at Horsley Railway Station in Surrey
- Mr Bunce – a customer ambassador – had transformed the village station and saw it nominated for an award
- George, a German wirehaired pointer, would sit quietly in his bed in the ticket office causing no bother
- Passengers would come in and give him treats with many speaking of how it brightened up their days
A station master ‘forced out of his job’ after being banned from bringing his dog with him is back – together with his furry best friend.
Richard Bunce, 54, and his dog George, who is four, were unable to carry on at Horsley station in East Horsley, Surrey, after bosses found out about the pet going in with him.
Because Mr Bunce, a former train guard, could not make alternative arrangements for German wirehaired pointer George, it meant he could no longer do the job.
But after the locally-beloved pair became a cause célèbre after MailOnline championed their story – attracting the attention of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps – bosses at South Western Railway pledged to investigate.
And now because of George’s popularity amongst customers, SWR has reconsidered and after a ‘comprehensive colleague consultation’ and risk assessment have reversed their original decision.
Today both Richard and his dog were officially welcomed back by rail users and company boss Claire Mann.
A station master ‘forced out of his job’ after being banned from bringing his dog with him is back – together with his furry best friend
Richard Bunce (right), 54, and his dog George, who is four, were unable to carry on at Horsley station in East Horsley, Surrey, after bosses found out about the pet going in with him
Because Mr Bunce, a former train guard, could not make alternative arrangements for German wirehaired pointer George, it meant he could no longer do the job
Customer Ambassador Mr Bunce – who got the transport hub nominated for Best Small Station of the Year three months ago – told MailOnline: ‘I’m so pleased that SWR have gone the extra mile to ensure that George and I can stay at Horsley.
‘I’m looking forward to George delighting customers and colleagues alike for years to come.’
The duo are a popular pair at Horsley station in East Horsley, Surrey, and became local celebrities in the 2,000-population village.
SWR’s Managing Director Claire Mann said in a light-hearted statement: “We know the last few weeks have been ruff for Richard and George, and we’re pleased to have found a resolution.
“Our stations are a vital part of an operational railway network, and it wouldn’t be safe or appropriate for them to be overrun with our furry friends. But it is important to strike a balance and provide some flexibility to individual cases like Richard and George’s.
“It is clear that our customers love George, and our robust risk assessment has shown that it’s safe for him to remain at the station. It’s paw-some to have George back where he belongs!”
But after the locally-beloved pair became a cause célèbre after MailOnline championed their story – attracting the attention of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps – bosses at South Western Railway pledged to investigate
And now because of George’s popularity amongst customers, SWR has reconsidered and after a ‘comprehensive colleague consultation’ and risk assessment have reversed their original decision
Over 3,800 people signed a petition – backed by East Horsley Parish Council – urging bosses to see sense and let the pet back to the station
Today both Richard and his dog were officially welcomed back by rail users and company boss Claire Mann (left)
Mr Bunce and George’s nightmare started when a mystery shopper gave the station a glowing review but mentioning in passing a dog was in the office.
The rail firm’s rules say dogs are not allowed into railway workplaces on safety grounds, meaning George had to go – sparking his master’s departure.
Over 3,800 people signed a petition – backed by East Horsley Parish Council – urging bosses to see sense and let the pet back to the station.
And Transport Minister Grant Shapps also weighed in on the scandal, tweeting: ‘Sad to hear that South Western Railway is planning to dispense with the services of George the station dog, along with his owner station master Richard Bunce.
‘Sounds like RUFF justice to me! A little less tick-boxing would brighten up everyone’s day.’
Mr Bunce started taking George in around three years ago because he worked alone there during his popular tenure.
Speaking last month he told MailOnline: ‘For some people, dogs are family – that’s what George is to me.
‘I took it upon myself to bring him into work. I was never told I couldn’t, but I didn’t ask either.
‘It never caused any problems. Everyone has been very positive about it. He stays in the ticket office so he’s not a bother.
George has become a local celebrity at Horsley railway station and news of his impending departure have saddened locals
Richard Bunce, said George was like a ‘member of his family’ and took him to work as he was the only one working there
Station master Richard Bunce, 54, and his dog had been adored fixtures at Horsley Railway Station in East Horsley, Surrey
Mr Bunce was so good at his job the transport hub was even nominated for Best Small Station of the Year three months ago
Locals are devastated after Mr Bunce has been forced to leave his job because of his dog, pictured Lucy the dog , John, Sue, Sylvia and Kevin
Horsley Railway Station is in Surrey near to Leatherhead, West and East Horsley as well as Ockham and Great Bookham
Transport Minister Grant Shapps saw MailOnline’s story and said he thought South Western Railway should think again
German wirehaired pointer George would lie in the station office causing no trouble and was popular with passengers
Now over 2,000 people have signed a petition urging bosses to see sense and let the pet back to the station in Surrey
Mr Bunce added he hoped SWR would reconsider and make an allowance, especially considering he is the sole worker there
The petition to save Richard Bunce and George has been started online and already has fetched at least 2,000 signatures
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