Shailesh Vara MP recently visited Botolph Green in Peterborough along with Cllr Nigel North to campaign to save a post box that Royal Mail plans to remove. An alternative post box suggested by Royal Mail will be unsuitable for elderly residents as it is some distance away and is on the other side of Oundle Road.

Mr Vara has written to Ms Moya Greene, Chief Executive of Royal Mail asking her to review the decision and to express the concerns of local residents including the Botolph Green Residents' Association.

Mr Vara said:
“I oppose the removal of this post box and have written to Moya Greene, Chief Executive of Royal Mail, asking her to review the decision. Royal Mail’s suggested alternative is some way up the road and as well as the additional distance, residents will have to cross a busy road to use it. The post box at Botolph Green is very important to residents, a number of whom do not use internet services, and Royal Mail do not appear to have taken this into account.”

Mr North commented:
“This post box is an important asset to the local community, particularly the old and infirm as it is easily accessible from the bus stop. We do not agree with Royal Mail’s assertions on health and safety grounds and I will be working with our local MP, Mr Vara, to do all we can to prevent its removal.”

Photo: Mr Vara and Cllr North with the post box in Botolph Green.