Furious isolated residents call for Royal Mail to unlock 'forgotten' post box

11 January 2024 , 12:41

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Councillor Brian Bristow with the post box in Smarden, Kent, which has been sealed for months (Image: KMG / SWNS)

Villagers are fuming as their post box remains sealed three months after it replaced the old one.

The post box in Smarden, Kent, is the only one within walking distance for many elderly villagers after the previous one which was half a century old was removed when it fell over last spring. Locals have spoken of feeling "forgotten" as their complaints about not having access to a nearby post box have been ignored.

Brian Bristow, who sits on the village's parish council, called it 'ridiculous' that the new box had remained sealed. "We informed Royal Mail about the old postbox when it fell down in April and it was relatively quickly agreed that it would be replaced," he said.

"But its replacement has been sealed up ever since it was installed. It's ridiculous – the whole area has a significant number of houses that would use the post box if only they could."

In 2020, a community-run shop and Post Office opened in the village after villagers raised more than £350,000. However, the Smarden Community Store is at the other end of the village to the sealed post box, leaving some residents isolated.

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Despite being installed three months ago people still can't use the post box (KMG / SWNS)

"The locked post box is particularly needed because it's quite a long walk to the Post Office," Mr Bristow added. "Most people can get in their car and drive to the next one but some people can't."

"Where I live in Smarden, there is another post box not too far away, but for people who want to use the sealed one, such as elderly people, it's really inconvenient."

A Royal Mail spokesperson said the post box would be available once more as soon as a barcode and time plate are on site. They said: "The box was replaced recently, we are waiting for a barcode and time plate that was ordered yesterday (Wednesday). Once they are in place the box will be back in service."

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Susie Beever