Villagers in Bradfield Southend are rallying to save their traditional postbox after Royal Mail began preparations for its replacement.
Residents found the familiar red postbox outside the Village Post Office wrapped in cellophane, signalling that a modern parcel-accepting postbox would soon take its place.
The move has sparked a petition, with 110 verified signatures on change.org, as locals say the change threatens both the character and the economy of their community.
The Village Post Office, a long-standing fixture in Bradfield Southend, is not just a place to send and collect mail.
Many see it as a vital social and economic hub, essential to the daily life of the village.
Local business owners and residents alike believe the proposed new postbox will draw footfall—and vital transactions—away from the post office, which already faces challenges to its viability.
The original petition, launched by Kate Brealey, stressed the importance of the existing postbox as part of village life.
She wrote that it "is not just a red metal box used for mailing letters; it represents a touchstone of our local community and an essential part of our village’s charm."
Adding: "By keeping our traditional postbox, we reinforce the position of the Village Post Office as a vital part of the community."
Many have echoed these concerns, calling the move "bang out of order" and warning that the new postbox would "inevitably impact on our already struggling viability."
Supporters of the campaign argue that the modern postbox might offer some technological benefits, but does not suit the unique needs of Bradfield Southend.
Kate added: "Our traditional postbox is more than sufficient for the mail needs of Bradfield Southend and enhances the unique aesthetic appeal of our environment."
According to the Federation of Small Businesses, local post offices provide indispensable services and community value.
As the petition grows, villagers are urging Royal Mail to reconsider.
However, Royal Mail argue the new post box is the "future" offering a better way for customers to access its services.
They said they have no plans to change it back to its original design.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Our new postboxes of the future offer another convenient way for customers in Bradfield Southend and elsewhere to access Royal Mail's services, alongside home delivery and collection, our Customer Service Points, Post Office branches, lockers and Royal Mail Shop outlets.
"We’re pleased to see positive feedback from customers in areas where the new postboxes have already been introduced, and we’re hopeful that local residents will find them just as useful and convenient.”
Postmaster Ms Breasley believes that preserving the postbox would help maintain the historical significance.
The community is determined to preserve what they see as a cherished part of their village’s identity.
Visit https://c.org/xqrhpsBrkg to sign the petition.