Kind-hearted volunteers gave up their time to improve Enid’s path - deemed ‘too slippy’ by Royal Mail chiefs - but she will still get no mail delivered.
As reported by the Courier last week, the 82-year-old widow has lived in her cottage on Higham and Dob Lane, Sowerby Bridge, for 50 years but discovered Royal Mail had suspended delivering post to her address after a postwoman slipped on the pathway leading up to the house seven weeks ago.
On Monday, a group of nine countryside volunteers who work with Calderdale Council Countryside Unit, and a full-time ranger, arrive to improve the path. Dick Stephenson said: “We read the Courier’s article on Enid’s plight and decided something needed to be done and set about improving access to the house. We hope this will enable Royal Mail to commence deliveries again without further delay.”
But Royal Mail bosses this week confirmed the work was not enought to lift the suspension on deliveries.
Mrs Sugden said: “I was very happy to see the rangers. The footpath is as good as it’s ever been now. The will be no excuse not to come here with my mail.” She said she had offered to meet the postal workers and for a box to be put halfway up the lane - but the Royal Mail declined.
Royal Mail spokeswoman Felicity MacFarlane said deliveries are only suspended as a last resort if there is health and safety danger to staff. She said: “While some moss has been cleared from the grassed pathway, it is still treacherous and we believe this and the stepping stones pathway is unsafe to negotiate on foot. We’ve offered an alternative by putting in a temporary collection box at the entrances of the pathways, which she has declined. We are continuing to look into the matter further and will work to find a suitable solution.”
My hearts bleeding for them.