U-turn as postbox returned to normal after threat of automated service leaves Bradfield Southend outraged

Villagers are delighted to see that their regular postbox has been restored to its former glory after it was previously headed for an automated system.

Residents in Bradfield Southend started a petition for change two weeks ago after their traditional red postbox was taped up by Royal Mail in favour of a new automatic system without their knowledge.

They were extremely upset by the change from what was previously a traditional red postbox to a new postal box that would automatically accept parcels and have a scanner for barcodes, a service which previously only the post office could deliver.

Most annoyed was the village post office – as the new automated parcel box to receive parcels would have sat right outside the building.

However, after the petition reached nearly 800 signatures, the postbox was uncovered to its former state on Wednesday.

In a statement from Royal Mail, a spokesperson said: “Following discussions with the council, Bradfield Southend’s postbox will remain a standard one.”

Kate Brealey, postmaster at Bradfield Village Store and Post Office, said: “The village have been coming into the shop to congratulate themselves!”