Army veteran’s Royal Mail-style postbox in Aldington, near Ashford, sparks row

When Geoff Potter installed a Royal Mail-style postbox at the end of his driveway, he hoped it would stop people coming up to his front door.

The Aldington resident suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in the army and Kent Police and feels “on edge” when people walk up his path.

But his hopes for a quiet life haven’t gone to plan – as confused villagers have started putting their letters in his postbox.

“Certain people have accused me of putting it up to steal Christmas cards and letters which was never the intention,” Mr Potter told KentOnline.

Originally, Mr Potter’s postbox in Frith Road, which he ordered online, even had decorative collection times on the front.

“I chose that one because I wanted to keep in with the look of the village and the house,” the 55-year-old said.

“When I bought the house in 2018, it was neglected so this year I decided to clear my frontage and put up the postbox.”

But he says some residents have even reported him to Kent County Council.

Mr Potter has since handwritten ‘private postbox’ on the front of it until a new sign arrives.

“When I put it up for maybe one day there were collection times on it,” he said. “I was ill – so it was removed by my brother.”

Mr Potter says he had people’s safety in mind when installing the postbox.

“To get to my front door you go up dangerous steps, especially in winter, so I looked for a post box so people didn’t slip on the steps,” he said.

“Also I suffer from complex PTSD from my time in the army and police force, so I don’t like people coming up my path as it puts me on edge.”

While the postbox has caused a stir in the village, not everyone has been left angered by the new addition.

“A neighbour posted a card supporting me, which was very kind of her,” Mr Potter said.

“The lady stated that when they drive past it makes them smile and they love it. Others have said they are ashamed how people reacted.”

The ex-policeman of six years says he knows it is against the letter of the law to interfere with the Queen’s post.

He added: “I just want to be left alone.”