Sidmouth In Bloom group are angry at the state of the Sidford post box. Ref shs 5786-38-14SH. Picture: Simon Horn
The post box in Sidford will receive a makeover.
Sidford’s ‘tatty’ post box will soon be getting some much-needed attention, thanks to campaigning residents.
The Royal Mail box outside Sidford Post Office will next week undergo its first re-paint in several years, following repeated requests from some villagers, who have welcomed the news.
John McGregor, a Sidford resident, said: “I am sure local folk will be pleased to see a bright, shining red pillar box again.”
Last week, Colin Kingman, also from Sidford, voiced his disgust at the state of the post box.
“It has been tatty for several years,” he said.
“I think the whole village takes second place to Sidmouth, although we pay the same council tax.”
The recently privatised Royal Mail has responded to the pleas and confirms it will be sending a private contractor, Romec, to paint the post box on School Street in Sidford on the week commencing September 29.
Royal Mail spokesperson Val Bodden said: “Royal Mail’s post boxes are a great British icon.
“There are more than 115,000 postboxes across the country.
“We are very proud of them and we put a great deal of effort into maintaining and painting them.” She added: “We repaint and refurbish them on a regular basis and we also respond directly to reports by our staff and customers about individual boxes that require urgent attention.”
