Bolton: Sharples residents finally get post box

Neighbours were left upset in late 2021 when they realised the post box in Thornham Drive had gone.

They said it went without warning, and 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.

It turned out that the box had been attached to a concrete lamppost that was in need of removal due to corrosion, and a new LED lamppost was installed instead, but this time without the post box.

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

The next post box was said to be too far away for many elderly and disabled residents.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: “Good news that the post box is actually in situ (although it isn’t actually in operation).

“I am delighted, and I shall write to Royal Mail to thank them.

“It was really unfortunate that it took so long to get the post box replaced, so that the box could be reinstated.

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

“It is a concern that something so small can take so many months to be dealt with, and I have no doubt it was down to the pressure that residents and I put on Royal Mail that we managed to get the box reinstated.

“We have a brilliant community in our area so I really would like to thank everyone who helped.

• Sharples residents win battle to have post box returned

“It really did make the difference.”

Cllr Fairclough previously said that an 83-year-old resident had been in touch because she was unable to pay her bills, 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.”

From left to right: resident Peter Rogerson with his stick, Hilary Fairclough, Royal Mail manager, Sharon Walker with her dog, and other residents in support

Sharon Walker was one of the residents who was a driving force behind the campaign.

She said: "We are delighted to see our post box back in action.

"Thank you to all concerned who made this happen especially to all the residents who also have given up their time to help make it happen."

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