Royal Mail to replace missing Littleborough post boxes

Councillor John Hartley at the location of one of the former post boxes

Following a report on Rochdale Online regarding missing post boxes in Littleborough, Royal Mail has now confirmed it is to replace the missing boxes.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98529/royal-mail-fails-to-deliver-for-the-people-of-littleborough

It is understood that post boxes on Dean Head, Littleborough and Halifax Road, Littleborough were removed some time ago when energy company E.ON installed new lampposts.

Following the installation of the lampposts, the boxes were not put back in place, frustrating local councillors and local residents.

Littleborough Lakeside Councillor Ann Stott said: “Further to your article on our missing mail boxes, I have been battling since February to have the one re-installed at Halifax Road, Blackstone Edge. At that time it was promised within ‎six to eight weeks and months later we are still waiting for it.

“Residents, many of more mature age, who live in this rural area are still having to go down to Littleborough to post letters.”

Despite the boxes being removed to facilitate E.ON, the energy company has stated that the responsibility for replacement lies with Royal Mail.

A spokesperson for E.ON said: “The post boxes were removed by Royal Mail and the responsibility for reinstating these post boxes also lies with Royal Mail.”

Royal Mail has now confirmed to Rochdale Online it is working with Rochdale Council to address the issue.

Royal Mail Spokesperson Val Bodden said: “Royal Mail would like to apologise for the delay and inconvenience in replacing the post boxes at Dean Head, Littleborough and Halifax Road, Littleborough, which were removed when the lampposts in the area were replaced by an energy company.

“We can confirm that we are working, with the council’s support, to replace the post boxes as quickly as possible, but any new site is subject to underground utility cables and landowner searches. In the meantime, customers can use any other post box in the area or drop their mail off at any Post Office branch.”