RM under fire over service and stolen Matfield postbox

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Royal Mail under fire over service and stolen Matfield postbox http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Royal-Mail- ... story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

VILLAGERS fed up with a second class postal service in Matfield have been left fuming following broken promises by Royal Mail.

The public sector company was branded "contemptuous" this week after it reneged on a pledge to reinstate the latest postbox swiped by thieves.

After a box was sawn from its post at Five Wents, Royal Mail had assured concerned residents it would be reinstated within six weeks. But parish council chairman Mike Mackenzie was critical nothing had been done.

Mr Mackenzie said: "The last one was stolen in June and Royal Mail said they would replace it within six weeks but they have now said they are not going to bother.

"We have had a number of people in the village who have contacted us as they now have to get into a vehicle to get to their nearest post box or the post office.

"The council is concerned that the express needs of parishioners are being ignored by a contemptuous Royal Mail, which makes promises it clearly has no intention of living up to."

Just two postboxes, both in Maidstone Road, are understood to remain, prompting warnings from Carole Noakes, who lives just outside the village in Colts Hill, that older people will suffer the most.

"If I had anything to post I would always use the Five Wents post box," she said. "People now have to walk into the village centre, which is just too far for many, particularly the elderly."

The council has conceded it may have to dip into its own cash reserves in order to persuade Royal Mail to jointly fund any replacements.

Councillor Chris Woodley said: "The council has offered to part-fund a sturdier replacement. It will pay for the bricks and the labour if Royal Mail provides the box. Is that an offer they can refuse?"

Royal Mail refused to comment when contacted by the Courier.

[houseoflords]

Royal Mail are not interested in Customers needs anymore just profit and greed.