THE removal of red pillar post boxes in Warrington is to make way for new solar-powered 'post boxes of the future', Royal Mail has said.
Residents have noticed that iron red pillar post boxes have started to be removed in the town, including outside of post offices.
The doors of the pillar boxes have been removed, and cling film has been wrapped around them.
One resident who expressed concern over the loss of the 'historical landmarks' said: "Post offices have had no notices regarding this.
"Workmen are just turning up and removing the doors.
"These pillar boxes are a British institution and should not be removed.
"They are not in a dangerous state and, in most cases, they are very well maintained."
A Royal Mail spokesman said that the post boxes are being upgraded as part of a national modernisation programme.
They said they will become a 'post box of the future' and will still bear the iconic red colour, with the change following a successful pilot held earlier this year.
Royal Mail has said the new post box aims to 'maximise choice and convenience for our customers'.
The iconic post box design has been given a 'modern makeover', including an extra-large opening to accept parcels larger than those that fit through a letterbox for the first time.
Customers scan their parcel’s barcode, a drawer opens for them to drop it in, and they can also request proof of posting using the Royal Mail app.
The new post boxes were piloted in the areas of Ware, Hertford, and Fowlmere, in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, earlier this year.
Royal Mail is now rolling them out further across the UK, including in Warrington.
The updates are part of wider efforts to make sending and receiving parcels 'as convenient as possible'.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Our new post boxes of the future will offer another convenient way for customers to access Royal Mail's services, alongside home delivery and collection, our customer service points, Post Office branches, lockers and Collect+ parcel shops."