Buckley's lack of outdoor post box 'a disgrace'

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http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/resources/images/7852853/A TOWN centre's lack of an outdoor post box is a disgrace, councillors heard.

During a meeting of Buckley Town Council, members heard a response from Royal Mail over a complaint about the availability of post boxes in the town.

Town clerk Martin Wright had contacted the company to express his concern over the fact that the two post boxes adjacent to the now closed post office in the town centre had been sealed up, leaving residents to rely on the postal services offered by the Spar.

Royal Mail's customer service advisor Victoria Crook wrote back to Mr Wright, explaining the company is in the process of relocating the boxes, which have been sealed as they are on land owned by a third party.

She also pointed out that there are three other boxes located at The Square, Daisy Hill and Hawkesbury Road.

But Cllr Neville Phillips told the meeting: "It is a disgrace for a town this size that we have no post box in the town centre.

"I am sure its not Victoria Crook's fault, but to say there's one on The Square - if you stand on Buckley cross, that is seven tenths of a mile away.

"And the one in Hawkesbury Road, I've measured that - that is about six tenths of a mile away."

Cllr Richard Jones said: "We are the biggest town in Flintshire and we have no postbox except for in the Spar? It is pathetic really."

Cllr Dennis Hutchinson told the meeting: "I was pleasantly surprised by the tone of the letter from Victoria Crook. It told me she was looking at the matter seriously.

"She has responded in the only way she can at this moment in time.

"It did take us the best part of 12 months to get a postbox re-sited in Drury, but it did happen. All these big organisations need some time before things happen."

Councillors voted that the town clerk should write back to Royal Mail asking for further details on the proposed date and location for the repositioned boxes, as well as further information about security arrangements over mail in the Spar.

Speaking of the alternative post boxes outlined by Royal Mail, Cllr Carol Ellis added: "I think if you're old or disabled you can't walk to The Square or Hawkesbury. Surely it is a basic right to have a postbox. I think the letter to the post office should be very strong."