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THE FIGHT to bring back a post box to Hockley Heath has taken a step towards victory – as Royal Mail have committed to install a post box.
In the summer members of the Women’s Institute (WI) were left shocked when they discovered their topper was on the floor on Stratford Road and the post box was gone.
The organisation, alongside Facebook group Spotted: Hockley Heath as well as Solihull Councillors, Hockley Heath Parish Councillors and Saqib Bhatti – Meriden and Solihull East MP have campaigned to Royal Mail to reinstate the box.
Royal Mail has now communicated that a new post box will be returned to Hockley Heath village and discissions are currently on-going as to where the new post box will be located within the village.
Mr Bhatti met with David Gold, Director of External Affairs at Royal Mail, following widespread community concern over the sudden removal of the postbox at 2356 Stratford Road on 17 July 2025, where he again expressed the impact that the decision had on the residents of Hockley Heath.
During the meeting the Conservative MP praised the hard work of local community activists in the campaign to see a postbox returned to the village.
He has been working alongside
l campaigners, including Councillor Sally Tomlinson, Coun Ian Courts, Coun Andy Mackiewicz and the local community to push Royal Mail to reinstall a postbox in the area.
This included a petition, championed by local Conservative Tomlinson, that was signed by 268 residents, making clear the community’s objection to the postboxes’ abrupt removal.
Hockley Heath Parish Council, commented: “Hockley Heath Parish Council is delighted that Royal Mail has now indicated its intention to reinstall a post box in an alternative location within the village.
“The Parish Council, supported by the community, including Saqib Bhatti MP and Ward Councillors, has lobbied consistently to ensure this valued facility is reinstated.
“In response, residents mobilised impressively, launching a petition to Royal Mail, contacting elected representatives including Saqib Bhatti MP, and raising awareness across the village.
“The Parish Council commends this proactive and coordinated campaign, which has helped elevate the issue to regional attention.”
Mr Bhatti said: “The return of the postbox would not have happened without the collective voice of the community. The sudden removal of this post box has caused real hardship for residents, especially those who rely on postal services for medical support and essential correspondence.
“I have made it clear to Royal Mail that they must urgently reconsider their decision and work closely with the community to restore appropriate postal facilities in Hockley Heath. I am now delighted to now learn that a post box is set to return to Hockley Heath, albeit in a new location.
“It’s clear that a post box is an essential service which many of my constituents rely upon. They cannot be expected to walk to neighbouring villages, down country lanes unsuitable for pedestrian use, and in unsafe weather conditions.”
