A postbox outside the Post Office in Barton-upon-Humber has been temporarily closed, causing upset among the local communities and businesses as Christmas approaches. Postmistress Mairi Wingate and her team discovered the covered postbox one Friday, deeming its closure ill-timed considering the holiday period.
Royal Mail stated that the closure is part of an effort to install solar panels and a digitally-activated drawer, intended to be their most significant redesign in its history spanning over 175 years. A postbox incorporating similar solar panels is already in place on Middlethorpe Road in Cleethorpes.
The change, however, is not welcomed by all of Barton-upon-Humber. Long-standing resident, Ursula Vickerton, aged 69, expressed her disapproval, drawing attention to the inconvenience it causes during the holiday season. Community figurehead Alison Roberts, known for her vibrant postbox decorations, also conveyed her concern about the potential negative effects this change could have on the community’s spirit.
Nonetheless, despite these shared concerns, Royal Mail expressed that they have witnessed positive responses to the new design from other quarters. They remain hopeful that the updated postboxes will serve local residents’ needs effectively.
This story is based on original reporting by www.bbc.com, as adapted by The Lincoln Post.
