Bitterness after post box is axed (From Penarth Times)

Bitterness after post box is axed

FURIOUS Penarth residents have slammed the Royal Mail, after their post box was removed without notification.

The withdrawal of the post box from Sully Terrace sparked an angry reaction from people living in the quiet residential area last week. Graham Vodden, 58, of Heath Avenue, said: "There has been a post office in this area since the 1950s.

"I have a father in his 80s living on Sully Terrace. He will now have a heck of a distance to walk to post a letter and even further to access other post office services.

"The post office here was an important part of this community, and it's very sad indeed to see it go. The Royal Mail gave no notification that this was going to happen. There were people waiting to post letters while the box was being smashed out of the wall with a sledgehammer."

There was a battle over the fate of the shop after neighbours claimed it had been allowed to run down before being closed. Planning permission was given by the Vale of Glamorgan Council for the premises to be converted into accommodation.

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail said: "The Royal Mail apologises for any inconvenience the removal of the postbox adjoining the former Post Office branch in Sully Terrace has caused to customers.

"The owner of the property where the postbox was located requested its removal, as he was undertaking some immediate building work to his shop. The owner was given permission by Royal Mail to remove the box, but there was insufficient time to notify customers, which is normal practice. Alternative postboxes can be found at Archer Road, Alberta Road, Westbourne Road and Holmsdale Place.

"Royal Mail is currently reviewing the situation, taking into account the usage of the removed box and the proximity of alternative boxes, before making a decision on a replacement box in Sully Terrace."