Anger as stolen Chesterfield post box used by 103-year-old-grandma won't be replaced

Residents have been left angry after a stolen post box in Chesterfield won’t be replaced.

The post box was located at the entrance to Tapton Park.

Now Royal Mail has confirmed that it would not be replaced explaining there were ‘sufficient alternative post boxes available within the required distance’ and there were safety concerns around the post box being stolen once again.

Resident Ryan Smith, whose 103-year-old grandma has been relying on the post box on regular basis has been left angry and disappointed by the decision.

He said: “It was our nearest box.

“We think it’s terrible that they won’t replace it, blaming ‘it might get stolen again’ as the main reason.

“My gran lives in Tapton, is 103-years-old and still sent her paperwork via my mum, through that stolen box.

“It feels very much like another removal of our societal norms.”

Ryan said that the post box has been previously targeted by thieves, after a more ‘sturdy’ post box was replaced by Royal Mail about 15 years ago.

He said: “There was a very strong and sturdy post box about 15 years ago and Royal Mail closed it without warning and replaced it with a smaller box on a post at the entrance to Tapton Park, which is where it’s stood ever since.

“A few month ago the post was cut down by we assume an angle grinder in the night.

“The other post box in Tapton, near the Lockoford pub, also has cut marks on the post but the people were interrupted and fled the scene. That post still has damage to it.

“ The main box, the only one on a main road, hasn’t been replaced and the stump of the broken post has just been left.

“It is dangerous, especially kids as it’s by the entrance to Tapton Park.”

Ryan added that he was disappointed in Royal Mail’s response and contacted Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins for help.

But after Mr Perkins spoke to Royal Mail, he was told that the post box would not be replaced.

Mr Perkins said: “Following our recent correspondence regarding the stolen post box outside of Tapton Park, I have now received a response from Royal Mail.

“Disappointingly, they will not be replacing the post box as ‘there are sufficient alternative post boxes available within the required distance’.

“Similarly, as the post box was stolen, they explained that replacing it represents ‘an ongoing security risk’.

“Given the low number of stolen post boxes (around 0.1% a year) I am surprised that Royal Mail's response to this theft is to say that replacing it poses a security risk. It feels like they constantly look for excuses not to replace post boxes. I have had other similar examples.”

Royal Mail has an obligation to ensure that 98% of UK households are within half a mile of a post box. The post box next to the Lockoford Inn would be the last post box in Tapton.

Mr Perkins added: “I am glad that Royal Mail have committed to repairing the Lockoford Inn post box as soon as possible to ensure that a service remains here, unfortunately they advised that repair times vary, sometimes taking up to 12 weeks. If the Lockoford Lane post box is ever stolen, I am of the opinion that it would have to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure that Royal Mail meets their obligation and that people in Tapton continue to have a post box within half a mile of their homes.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns about the removal of the postbox at Tapton Park. As we explained to the MP, with alternative postboxes nearby, plus concerns that the box may be stolen again, the decision has been made not to replace it.”