Nearest post box is uphill so give us a replacement

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ELDERLY and disabled residents have been left feeling isolated after their local postbox was taken away.

The post office at the corner of Common Lane and Rayleigh Road, Thundersley, closed years ago, but the postbox in Rayleigh Road had remained – until now.

Its removal has left severely-disabled Carol Franklin, of Common Lane, and her neighbours living in the council properties, struggling to post letters.

Grandmother Mrs Franklin cannot manage the steep walk uphill to the next nearest post box in Sandown Road about half-a-mile away.

Fortunately, kind-hearted workers at the nearby Woodman’s Newsagents have been posting letters for Mrs Franklin and some other residents.

Mrs Franklin said: “I would have to get a taxi to post my letters otherwise, and I don’t see why I should do that.

“I think it’s absolutely disgusting it has been taken away.

“Having to rely on other people takes away some of your independence, and to me it feels like Royal Mail is trying to isolate us.

“A lot of us around here are elderly and disabled, and most of us are grandmothers. How can you not post a birthday card or present to your grandchildren?”

Royal Mail has promised to replace the postbox, but nothing has happened since it disappeared earlier this year.

Marwin Bazi, 52, of Common Lane, who suffers from severe arthritis, said: “If they were serious about replacing the box, surely they would have done it by now? It seems like they don’t care.”

Royal Mail spokeswoman Sarah Womack said the company was committed to replacing it, but could not say when.

She added: “We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience.

“However, we are looking to install a postbox on the corner of Common Lane and Rayleigh Road, and we hope this issue may be resolved as soon as possible for the benefit of our customers.”