Station master who was banned from bringing his dog to work is now back in his position – with his furry 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.
Bunce was an ex-train guard and couldn’t make other arrangements for George, the German wirehaired pointeder. He could therefore no longer perform his duties.
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.
Claire Mann (rail user) and Richard’s dog were both officially welcomed back by the rail company.
After being prohibited from taking his dog along, a station master was ‘forced to quit his job’. Now he is back with his furry friend.
Richard Bunce, 54 (right) and George, his four-year-old dog, couldn’t continue at Horsley Station in East Horsley. This was after the bosses learned that George had been brought in by him.
Bunce was a train guard who couldn’t make alternate arrangements for George the German wirehaired pointer. This meant that he couldn’t do his 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
A petition was signed by over 3,800 people – supported East Horsley Parish Council. It urged bosses not to ignore the animal and return it to its station
Claire Mann, the rail boss and Richard’s dog were both officially greeted back by Claire Mann today (left).
George and Mr Bunce were thrown into chaos when George mentioned that a mysterious shopper had given the station glowing reviews, but also mentioned in passing that a dog was present in the office.
According to rail company rules, dogs cannot be allowed in railway stations due to safety reasons. George was forced out by his master and had no choice but to leave.
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 to me like RUFF justice!” Everyone would be happier if there was a little less tickboxing.
Because he was unable to work alone during his tenure, Mr Bunce began taking George in three years ago.
Speaking last month he told MailOnline: ‘For some people, dogs are family – that’s what George is to me.
“I brought him to work by myself. Although I wasn’t told that I could, I did not ask.
“It has never been a problem. It has always been a positive experience for everyone. So he doesn’t have to be a problem at all, he just stays there in the ticket counter.
George is a well-known local star at Horsley Railway Station and the news that he will be leaving has saddened many.
Richard Bunce said George was like his family member and took George to work because he was the only person there.
Station master Richard Bunce (54) and his pet dog, were loved fixtures at Horsley Railway Station East Horsley in Surrey.
Bunce did such a great job that the transport hub was awarded Best Small Station Award of the Year. This award was given three months ago.
Locals have been devastated by Mr Bunce’s decision to quit his job due to his dog. Pictured Lucy, John, Sue and Sylvia Bunce.
Horsley Railway Station in Surrey is located near Leatherhead and West Horsley, as well as Ockham & Great Bookham.
Grant Shapps (Transport Minister) saw MailOnline’s article and suggested that South Western Railway need to rethink its position.
George the German wirehaired German pointer would lie down in the station office, making no trouble. This was a popular choice with passengers.
More than 2,000 people now have signed a petition calling on bosses in Surrey to get their act together and return the pet to its station.
Bunce stated that SWR should reconsider making an allowance for him, particularly since he’s the sole employee there.
Online petition started to Save Richard Bunce and George. It has at least 2000 signatures.