Bolton: Sharples residents go months with no Royal Mail post box

Residents in Sharples say they have grown ‘bitterly disappointed’ after waiting months for their post box to be reinstated.

Neighbours were left upset in late 2021 when they realised the post box on Thornham Drive had gone, went without warning, saying it was well used.

In February, Cllr Hilary Fairclough invited Royal Mail to meet with herself and residents, and the company said it would look at getting the new box in place ‘as a matter of urgency’, on or close to its original site.

According to a letter from Royal Mail, dated August 3 - as seen by The Bolton News – they say they ‘anticipate the post box to be installed in the eight weeks’.

But Cllr Fairclough and residents are unhappy with the time it has taken and are unsure it will happen, after the councillor previously received a letter to say the post box would be reinstated in February.

• Sharples residents win battle to have post box returned

Sharon Walker, one of the residents who was a driving force behind the campaign, said: "I am bitterly disappointed at the time it is taking to reinstate this well used post box and it feels like we are being passed from pillar to post.

“This box serves a large area and not all residents are able to easily access the next post boxes which are very closely positioned to each other.

Campaign by Sharples residents to have their post box returned

“I for one feel extremely disappointed and let down by all concerned who assured us the box would be reinstated. 

“You have let us all down as neighbours and also our Cllr Hilary Fairclough.”

Cllr Fairclough says she has not had much response from them and will be writing to the CEO to make sure that it happens.

She said: “It will be coming up to 12 months.

“For them not to come back to you for so long and give you hope is not on.

“I will not be letting this go, and we will be getting our post box soon.

“For the community, it’s really a vital service.

“I know the service is a relatively short distance, but for the elderly, disabled, and the vulnerable, it is too much to walk that distance.”

From left to right: Local resident, Sharon Walker, and Cllr Hilary Fairclough

Cllr Fairclough says that an 83-year-old resident has also been in touch because she says she can’t pay her bills now or contact some relatives or send birthday cards.

She added: “A lot felt cut off because that’s their means of communication and they are having to rely on other people doing it for them, either neighbours, or relatives.

“For the older generation, and possibly those in their 50s they see it as a vital service, and not all use the internet.”

In the letter Royal Mail said: “I am sorry for any concern caused.

“As mentioned in my letter dated June 30, the many utility companies we contact for permission have now replied, with the final approval being received on June 29.

“As a result, we anticipate the post box to be installed in the eight weeks. I have requested this to be expedited,

“In the meantime, as you are aware, there is an alternative post box on Andrew Lane, which is approximately 450m away.”

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