Post box stamped out by the vandals

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“THE vandals have won.”

That is the message from retired postman Percival Mills after a post-box targeted by vandals was eventually removed from the spot it has held for more than 100 years.

Percival, of Morris Street, retired from the job he loved doing for 27 years back in June 2004.

But his love for the red boxes is still strong and he says he is gutted that the little piece of history has been removed from his street.

“Basically, this just shows that the vandals have won,” said the 71-year-old.

“This letter box has been there for more than 100 years – it used to be in the wall of the old shirt factory called Kay&Co before it was turned into flats, and then they moved it about 10 yards down the road to its current position.”

But last week the box was removed completely, leaving just a stump.

“I don’t know why they can’t replace it with one of the traditional red pillar boxes that are much more sturdy,” added Percival.

He said that the box has been targeted by vandals for many years, often being broken into with the door left open and mail left freely available to be stolen.

On one occasion it was even set alight.

Percival is now concerned for other elderly or less mobile residents in the area that will have to walk to the post boxes in Drew Street or Rodbourne Road He said: “The box hasn’t been used for a while now because someone kept unlocking it, and it is one of those that you can’t just slam shut once it is cut open, so post could have been getting lost.

“I heard that it was also set on fire once and we have had cheques sent out that never arrived.

“We started to get wise to it and would only take our mail down just before the postman was due to arrive. It is annoying because now we have been left with nothing and the vandals have won.

“For those people who aren’t particularly mobile it is quite a walk to the nearest post boxes. It is such a shame, I feel very strongly about it.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said they were unable to comment on the situation.