A VILLAGE has been given a new post box – two years after the original one was stolen.
Residents in Brown Edge were forced to walk down a steep hill for a mile to post their mail following the theft in September 2013.
Now Royal Mail has installed a new post box at the top of Hough Hill in Hill Top following a long-running campaign to get it replaced.
Staffordshire Moorlands district councillor Christina Jebb led the campaign along with her husband and former district councillor Henry Jebb.
She said: "The residents in Hill Top were quite distraught when their post box was stolen because it is quite a long walk down a steep hill to get to their nearest post box.
"A lot of residents are elderly and some have given up their cars which made posting their mail very difficult.
"At the time, there were about six post boxes stolen across Staffordshire Moorlands.
"The one that was stolen in Brown Edge was quite valuable whether it was for scrap value or for decorative purposes.
"Although the police did get evidence to connect someone with the crime, they weren't able to proceed with a prosecution."
Mrs Jebb said Royal Mail had concerns over whether it would be able to empty the post box, due to staff cut backs.
She believes this why it took so long to replace the post box.
Mrs Jebb added: "The residents were quite frustrated about the situation and some have had two Christmases when they weren't able to post their cards themselves.
"Everyone is thrilled that the new post box has arrived, just in time for the Christmas mail.
Residents in Hill Top have welcomed the replacement of their post box.
Eric Rowland, aged 70, said: "I am really glad to have it back. It was an inconvenience not to have a post box nearby considering we live on top of a steep hill.
"Royal Mail should have replaced it a long time ago but everyone has said it's nice to have a new one now. Let's hope it stays here this time."
Resident Sheila Garner has already used the new facility.
The 68-year-old said: "I couldn't believe it when the old one was stolen two years ago.
"It's great we have got it back."
Royal Mail was unable to confirm the reasons for the delay in replacing the post box.
A spokesman said: "We are pleased that the postbox has been reinstated and apologise for the delay.
"We will investigate further with our engineers as to the reasons for the delay."
