Confusion over new post collection times

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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CHANGES to post box collections in the borough have left residents confused.

Royal Mail has brought in changes to the collection of mail from “low use” post boxes in Bolton.

The changes mean that mail from these boxes have moved to a “collection on delivery” format — with postal workers emptying the box on their round, rather than providing a dedicated collection by van.

Two of the affected boxes are in Lee Lane in Horwich and resident Brian Smith said a message on his local post box near to the Crown roundabout is “wordy and confusing”.

The notice says that the final collection will be made no earlier than 9am in the week and not before 7am on Saturday.

Mr Smith said: "It seems to mean that you could post something just after 9am then there is a possibility that it won’t be picked up for 24 hours.

“Any time you are posting a letter you want to be sure when it is being collected but it seems that it could be at any time with this new system.

“It has been badly explained and I think this has left quite a few people in a fog.”

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: “Collection on delivery means the postman or woman on delivery is clearing the box on their round, at a time dependent on where the box is located on that route.

“Typically this could be up until 3pm in urban and suburban areas, but the collection will never be earlier than 9am.

“As is the case now, the indicator tab on the post box will show if the collection has been made.”

The efficiency changes will affect between 45,000 and 50,000 boxes across the country.

Royal Mail said the boxes were no longer cost-effective because of their low usage.

[El-Bandito]

Bolton today. The rest of the UK in the new year. Merry Christmas all