Red letter day for historic postbox

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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An historic postbox which has stood at the same spot for 104 years and had been put in danger after a car smashed into it is to be saved.

The Victorian pillar box has been a fixture on the corner of The Downs in Altrincham for generations.

The future of the ornate red post box – originally installed in 1896 – was put in doubt this week after a car collided with it.

Residents said they heard an ‘almighty bang’ as the postbox was partially ripped out of the pavement and left at a 45 degree angle. But the Royal Mail has confirmed it will repair and reset the postbox, to the delight of the residents. A spokesman said: "The pillar box will be reset upright and repainted as being Victorian. It is seen as an important part of the historic street scene."

The pillar box was made in the 1890s by Handyside and Co Ltd of Derby and London and sits in The Downs conservation area.

In 1996, Royal Mail sought to swap the postbox with a modern box, but changed its mind after pressure from the Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society and Bowdon History Society. It is set to form part of a Lottery funded heritage trail on The Downs. Sue Nichols, from the Bowdon Downs Residents’ Association, said: "We are delighted that they are repairing and keeping the postbox.

"We wanted to pre-empt them this time as there was such a battle last time, but Royal Mail’s attitude seems to be very different and they appreciate the brand value of the pillar box to them as a company of longevity. For over 100 years people have used the postbox as they have walked down to Altrincham from Bowdon and keeping the box is a continuity with the past."

[pyphon]

one near me like that one got knocked down last year by a council bus and was uplifited and re-tarmac'ed the same day, dunno why this one seems so special!

[Lounge Lizard]

one near me like that one got knocked down last year by a council bus and was uplifited and re-tarmac'ed the same day, dunno why this one seems so special!

Because they're all toffs in Altrincham and get whatever they want.