With the explosion of the internet, it has come to be affectionately known as ‘snail mail’.
But one Royal Mail postbox lived up to the soubriquet after becoming invested with the greedy gastropods.
The postbox, installed during the reign of George VI, is now set to be removed as snails ate letters, cards and small parcels, devouring the envelopes for their glue.
After daily efforts to remove the offenders failed to curb their hunger, Royal Mail has been forced to concede defeat.
It is to remove the traditional postbox in Storrington, West Sussex leaving, customers with a one-mile drive to the next closest one.
Royal Mail says the postbox has been plagued with snails for years but has also been invaded by other small creatures and insects.
It says that because any measures to stop them getting into the box would also prevent post being deposited there, the box has to be removed.
Residents say part of the problem lies in the fact the postbox is not actually a sealed steel box but traditional frontage with just a brick-lined behind.
Resident Michael Beardsall, whose house and driveway stand behind the wall, said: ‘It’s such a shame because the postbox is part of the fabric of our village and is well-used. Once it has gone it has gone for good and won’t ever come back.
‘There are ways of solving this problem with a little bit of thought. Perhaps Royal mail could install a secure backbox behind the frontage or even a sprung letter flap to stop snails getting in.
‘Talk about taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut! Surely it is not beyond them to think of a solution instead of ripping out a century-old postbox.
‘There are definitely ways of preserving this postbox and I would urge them to think again before tearing it out.’
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: ‘The post box has been invested with small wildlife several times (snails etc) which are attracted to and eat letters posted in there.
‘We have needed to routinely clean it out but have now made the decision to remove the post box itself, subject to approval.’
A planning application has been submitted by Royal Mail’s agents Livemore to Horsham District Council.
The application states: ‘Royal Mail is proposing to remove the post box at the above address as animals are constantly entering the post box and eating the mail.
‘We have needed to routinely clean it out but have now made the decision to remove the post box itself, subject to approval.’
‘The wall is privately owned and doesn’t appear to be within a conservation area. We trust the council has no objections to the proposed works taking place. We aim to instruct the works within the near future.’
It isn’t the first time a Royal Mail post box has been attacked by gastropods. Last summer, a postbox in Northumberland had to be taken out because they had been getting inside and eating mail.