Stoke postbox closed after 60 years... because of H&S

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Stoke postbox closed after 60 years... because of health and safety!

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Po ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ROYAL Mail is no longer collecting post from a postbox – for health and safety reasons.

The postbox in Stoke town centre has been taped up after Royal Mail declared it unsafe because of its location.

But that has stunned residents who have used the London Road postbox for at least 60 years.

Now they must walk further along London Road to the postbox near Chamberlain Avenue or use Stoke Post Office, in Church Street.

Royal Mail today confirmed collections had been permanently suspended from the postbox.

Mark Griffiths, Royal Mail collections support manager for Stoke on Trent, said: "As part of our ongoing activities it has become necessary to permanently remove this postbox from service due to the location no longer allowing a suitable, safe, location to collect from the box.

"We believe that customers will be adequately served by alternative posting facilities located nearby."

The postbox is opposite the town's Sainsbury's store, on the corner of Bath Street. It is also near a zebra crossing in London Road.

Residents are angry at having to walk further to post their mail.

Timothy Cartwright, aged 42, of Boon Avenue, Stoke, said: "Everybody is at a loss to know why the postbox has been sealed up. It is a real pain now. We have to go to the post office but it isn't always possible, especially for pensioners who can't walk very far.

"The best thing they could do is re-open the postbox. I don't really know what they will achieve by taking it away."

Kay Smith, aged 24, of Bath Street, said: "That postbox was very well-used because it was convenient.

"If it is no longer being used then it should be taken away."

Christine Sellars, aged 67, of Trent Vale, said: "I used to live in Boothen so I always used the postbox. I can't believe they are getting rid of it.

"I could go into Sainsbury's but they don't have regular collections so it could mean important letters getting delivered late."

Emily Keene, aged 19, who also lives in Bath Street, added: "The nearest postbox is at the post office but I can't always make it there when it is open.

"It has become a bit of an inconvenience for me now. I have to take my mail to university now and send it off from there."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

by TeebsRMC

Tuesday, May 8 2012, 1:35PM

“I wonder why its difficult to collect from that Post Box, although I think the Double Yellow Lines and ZigZag area for the crossing are very big clues.

I am guessing that as Royal Mail do not pay any parking fines that their drivers get, someone has been ticketed and therefore the drivers can no longer collect. Perhaps someone should be asking the parking enforcement people rather than blaming Royal Mail.”

[arnold cheshire]

they could use the post box in sainsburys across the road simples

[Lounge Lizard]

they could use the post box in sainsburys across the road simples

Yes, that's what they mean by "try something new today"