Sussex postboxes wrapped in plastic as Royal Mail upgrades

A postbox in East Hoathly, a village between Uckfield and Hailsham, has been wrapped in black plastic.

A sign attached to the postbox reads: “Out of service – automated system coming soon.”

Another sign advises people to come into the nearby village store to post items.

An image of the out-of-use postbox was posted on the East Hoathly and Halland community page on Facebook.

The postbox in East Hoathly has been wrapped up(Image: Vanessa Bushell)

It is believed other post boxes across East Sussex have also been put temporarily out of use, including one outside Waitrose in High Street, Uckfield.

It is part of Royal Mail introducing 3,500 solar-powered, automated postboxes across the UK.

In the new design, solar panels on the top of the postboxes power a digitally activated drawer, allowing users to drop off parcels.

Royal Mail says it is the “biggest redesign” in the 175-year history of the red postbox.

The change is part of Royal Mail’s effort to keep up with competition from other delivery companies.

One of the new solar-powered postboxes(Image: Royal Mail)

Facebook users had a mixed reaction to the new postbox idea on the East Hoathly and Halland community page.

Tim Laker said: “I have seen it all now!

“I noticed this when I went to work this morning and thought someone had done this for a laugh! It appears not.

“So anyone who goes to work and isn’t around during opening times has to find an alternative post box?

“Navigating life is becoming almost impossible.”

The East Hoathly postbox before being wrapped up(Image: Google)

Lou Haffenpuff commented: “Why does a post box need to be solar powered? What automation is this upgrade going to add to a pile of letters?

“Unless it’s going to teleport them, then I’ll be impressed.”

Gerry Ford added: “I won’t be using it! I prefer to speak to a human and help her keep her job!”