Village pride is behind a new campaign to prove to Royal Mail that Merstham exists.

Residents say the area has its own identity and deserves to be recognised in the official postal address as Merstham, Redhill not just Redhill.

They are being helped by newly elected ward councillor Mark Brunt, who, as a London Road South resident, believes Merstham is just as important as its neighbouring towns.

He said: "A number of people said to me have you ever noticed that Merstham does not exist?' "The more people I speak to, the more people are incensed when they find out. Merstham has been around a lot longer than many other places in the area."

Coun Brunt is about to launch a campaign to try to convince Royal Mail to add Merstham to the address. He added: "What we need is people around Merstham to help us to collect signatures to show the strength of feeling. We are looking for volunteers to collect names and shops to have petitions in store. We want to prove to Royal Mail how much feeling there is in the area.

"It will solve some of the problems that people have had in getting deliveries to them and it would bring back some more pride to the area. We are a community and have a distinctive identity. It would re-establish people's pride in the area. Merstham is an important place."

Around 3,000 houses would be affected. Royal Mail requires at least 50 per cent to respond in favour of the change before it can be considered.

Graeme Crome, Bletchingley Road resident and chairman of New Merstham Residents' Association, said: "I cannot speak for every resident of Merstham, but as someone who has lived here for over 30 years and has had family living here since the estate was built, I am very proud of the village and the people who live here.

"I support Mark 100 per cent in his efforts, as I'm sure the rest of the NMRA and residents do too. It is important to keep a strong sense of identity, Merstham has played a major part in the history of the area and this should never be forgotten."

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has also confirmed it supports the campaign and already uses a database system, called the National Land and Property Gazetteer which does recognise Merstham in the address.

James Taylor, Royal Mail spokesman, said: "The importance of a post town, in this case Redhill, is because that is where deliveries will come from. That does not mean we do not think Merstham exists."

He added: "We are more than happy to consider requests like that and it is something we can consider bringing in as long as the relevant criteria are fulfilled."

If you are interested in getting involved with the campaign, contact Coun Brunt at the town hall on 01737 276000 or email cllr.brunt@reigate-banstead.gov.uk