Railings removed but Barking post box still sealed

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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Railings preventing people from getting to a postbox beside Barking train station have been moved, but residents can still not send letters as the box is sealed.


As reported in last week’s Post, Ifkethar Kashmiri, 32, and other customers had to queue for about 20 minutes to mail a letter because two boxes in Station Parade, Barking were closed.

One was shut permanently because, according to Royal Mail, it is too small. Its replacement, a few metres away, was fenced off by the council about three weeks ago due to construction work at Barking Station.

The Post contacted the council which said contractors would move the railings to provide access – that was done last Wednesday.

But when Mr Kashmiri went to post a letter on Friday he found the hole was sealed.

Russell Humes, senior manager of the Spotted Dog pub, attempted to post a letter yesterday (Tues) and was also met with a sealed box.

A council spokesman said Royal Mail was asked last week to open the box. Royal Mail told the Post yesterday that it was investigating the matter.

Mr Kashmiri said: “I saw a confused pensioner also try and post a letter but with no luck. So we still have to go to the post office.”

Mr Humes added: “The box is still fully sealed up and there are no directions to the next nearest, so I had to go into the post office. A lot of elderly people still post letters and this will be very inconvenient as well as confusing for them.”

The council spokesman said: “The council, as promised, has worked with its contractor and provided access to the postbox. Unfortunately the Post Office, who are responsible for the postbox, are best placed to say why they have not opened the postbox.”

The next nearest post box is in Whiting Avenue (about a 10 minute walk away), Royal Mail told the Post.

[TeeferTiger]

Yes, old people get confused. Young people don't get confused. How ageist of him.