Villagers celebrate as RM recognises Toton "independence"

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Villagers celebrate as Royal Mail recognises Toton 'independence'

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RESIDENTS in Toton are celebrating after their village was recognised as being independent from a nearby town by the Royal Mail.

It follows a two-year campaign which was started by local councillor Marilyn Hegyi and Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry.

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Previously letters for properties in Toton needed to be marked as being for Toton in Beeston.

Councillor for Toton and Chilwell Meadows Marilyn Hegyi said that the change was a positive move for the area.

She said: "Whereas before people who lived in Toton had to give their address as if they lived in Beeston, now Toton exists in its own right, which is a good thing.

"With Toton having its identity removed, it meant that letters could get lost or, in the worst case scenario, emergency vehicles would be looking for an address in Toton in Beeston.

"The campaign has lasted 21 months in all, but we've had support from a lot of people in the area, so I'm sure they will be delighted."

According to Mrs Hegyi, the Royal Mail sent out consultation letters to 2,700 homes in Toton and only received 54 objections to the change.

She said: "It's like a lot of people told me – if I wanted an address in Beeston, I would have bought a house in Beeston.

"I have been overwhelmed by the response – it's really good for the community.

"We used to have a few problems because there were a number of High Roads and The Crescents in Chilwell, Beeston and Toton, but hopefully this will be a thing of the past."

Historically, all addresses in the NG9 area were considered to be in Beeston, but residents in Bramcote, Stapleford and Chilwell have already lobbied the Royal Mail to have this changed.

To change the address, the Royal Mail had to discuss the plans with residents and Broxtowe Borough Council.

Miss Soubry said: "Less than 60 people objected to the change which Toton residents have wanted for many years and it's a tribute to Marilyn's hard work that there has been such widespread support."

She added that villagers in nearby Attenborough, who are also classified as living in Beeston, may be considering a similar application.

She said: "I will gladly give them my assistance and support if Attenborough also wants to be officially recognised."

[midegarelu]

Great! just what's needed - more mail mis-sorted to Totton, Hampshire.