Geordie cards with c-word being sold in post office

The customer who did not wish to be named said the cards sold at Stanley Post Office n the town's Front Street, had the "worst swearing imaginable" - and in full view of children.

But Richard Fleetwood of the family-run Olive's who operate the post office counter said the cards have proved a best seller with customers - with some posted as far as Australia.

One of the cards sold at the post office (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The unhappy customer said: "I visited Stanley Post Office with my wife to arrange postage of a letter. While my wife was being served, I started to look at the birthday cards on sale.

“One of the stands was displaying cards with Geordie colloquial sayings. Upon looking closer, I was shocked to see that the language contained on the front of the cards was full of the worst swearing imaginable."

Some examples he spotted were  "Happy Borthda Ya Daft C***" and "I Dont Give A F*** If Its Your Birthda" and "Only D*** heads have a birthday in April".

One of the cards being sold that we have censored (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

He said: "These were on full display to everyone visiting the Post Office, including young children.

He added: "I took a photo of one of the offending cards to make a complaint to the Post Office.

“I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I believe it is unacceptable for any organisation (and especially the Post Office ) to have these cards with the language therein on public display where children visit the premises."

One of the cards being sold that we have censored (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The Northern Echo visited the outlet with the bulk of cards on display being conventional while a range of Geordie cards, including ones the customer found offensive were on two rotating display racks. 

Produced by A Local Radgie, the cards also include "Canny Owld Noo", "Aal the Best", "Happy Borthday Ya Radge B*****d", "50 (and other ages) the day! Just Gan Canny" and "18 (and other ages) The Day! Time to gan Radge!" 

Richard Fleetwood, a director of Olive’s said: “The new range of cards we have are supplied by a local small business. As an independent business ourselves, we know how important it is to support other local businesses and our community.

“The cards have been very popular with customers - a best seller in fact – one being posted as far as Australia! Some customers buy multiple cards at a time from the range for family and friends.

"We've even had requests and suggestions for more."

He added: “One thing to clarify... We don't want anyone to think we have anything against people born in April! We have insults available for all other months of the year too.

One of the cards being sold that we have censored (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

"In all seriousness, after we received the initial complaint, we spoke to many of our customers to ask what they thought about our new card range.

"One customer (who is a member of the local church) said they were "very funny, and how people talk" he also said, "There's a couple of them I will be back for myself".

“While most customers have laughed and found the range very amusing, we appreciate these cards won't be to everyone's taste. That's why they are displayed on spinners with all the explicit cards you mention at 5ft or higher - far out of reach of young children.

“We also have a wide range of traditional and cute cards for people that prefer a less risky option.”

A Post Office spokesperson said: “This Post Office is run by an independent Postmaster who chooses their retail stock. Our Area Manager will, however, discuss with the Postmaster about certain items being stocked.”