Featured Image Credit: Dianne Shorthouse
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij
Residents are calling for their local Royal Mail postbox to be moved to a different location after an elderly man reportedly fell over while trying to use it.
While the positionings of some postboxes across the UK are debatable, they're at least considered safe.
But the position of one certain postbox has been described as 'hazardous', especially if icy or wet.
Dianne Shorthouse, 81, claims that her 86-year-old neighbour who was using the letterbox - located along a slope on Lynher Drive in Saltash - slipped over when it was raining.
Even though she said the elderly man was lucky to escape injury, Dianne believes the position of the postbox poses a serious risk to locals.
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“Anyone wishing to post a letter has to stand on the slope, which is no problem to the able bodied or in fine weather” she said.
“However, due to the storms a week or so ago, the leaves have been blown from the horse chestnut trees and rain caused the slope to become very slippery.
“An elderly neighbour of mine fell and luckily did not break any bones. He was so embarrassed, he said he was glad no one was there to see it.”
Dianne has suggested that the postbox be moved to a flatter location.
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“The postbox has been there for years but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that its position is somewhat of a hazard,” she added.
“I’m 81 myself and there are lots of elderly residents in the estate.
“I have found in the winter months this slope can be equally slippery. Last year with all the snow we had, it was treacherous.
“If the postbox was re-sited just a few yards away, there is a flat pavement and this would make things much easier for those who use the box.
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"Surely it wouldn’t be that hard to move it because there are no cables to be moved like they would if there was a telephone pole.”
After writing about the issue on Facebook, others were in agreement with her, with one person writing: “I think anything that will help make sure that this kind of accident doesn't happen again, is a good idea. I hope your friend is ok.”
A second added: “Totally agree, hate walking up that slope when it's wet, have to be so careful and when it's icy it's the walk of potential broken bones [sic].”
While a third said: “I agree Di it is very slippery when muddy. Moving it would be simple.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson told LADbible: "We are sorry to hear of this incident. We are actively looking at relocating the postbox onto a flat surface.
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"This will involve conversations with the council and may take time, we thank everyone for their patience."