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Residents are calling for a postbox to be moved after an elderly man fell over while trying to use it. The postbox, situated along Lynher Drive in Saltash, is currently positioned on a slope which leads up to Bishop Cornish School.
However, resident Dianne Shorthouse has described its location as ‘hazardous’ to elderly locals, particularly in the winter when the roads become slippery in rain or ice. She said her 86-year-old neighbour slipped and fell over whilst trying to use the postbox recently, after a period of heavy rainfall.
While he was lucky enough to not have been seriously injured, Dianne said the current position of the postbox poses a risk to others. “Anyone wishing to post a letter has to stand on the slope, which is no problem to the able bodied or in fine weather”, she explained.
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“However, due to the storms a week or so ago, the leaves have been blown from the horse chestnut trees and rain caused the slope to become very slippery,” she explained. An elderly neighbour of mine fell and luckily did not break any bones. He was so embarrassed, he said he was glad no one was there to see it.”
Dianne is now calling for the postbox to be moved down the road to a flat pavement to avoid similar incidents occurring. “The postbox has been there for years but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that its position is somewhat of a hazard,” she said.
“I’m 81 myself and there are lots of elderly residents in the estate. I have found in the winter months this slope can be equally slippery. Last year with all the snow we had, it was treacherous.
“If the postbox was re-sited just a few yards away, there is a flat pavement and this would make things much easier for those who use the box. Surely it wouldn’t be that hard to move it because there are no cables to be moved like they would if there was a telephone pole.”
Sharing a post about the issue on Facebook, several others have agreed with Dianne that the postbox should be moved for safety reasons. One resident said: “I think anything that will help make sure that this kind of accident doesn’t happen again, is a good idea. I hope your friend is ok.”
Someone else said: “Totally agree, hate walking up that slope when it’s wet, have to be so careful and when it’s icy it’s the walk of potential broken bones [sic].”
A third simply added: “Totally agree!” While a fourth said: “I agree Di it is very slippery when muddy. Moving it would be simple.”
Another person commented: “I have to say the position of this postbox makes me anxious. I find the slope a bit of a challenge so I will always use the one by the shop! To some it doesn’t seem a big deal but when you have a disability which effects mobility & balance it’s not great.”
Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.
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