Inverurie residents told to choose between exposing their homes to thieves or stop getting their mail

Residents of an Aberdeenshire housing estate have been told their mail deliveries could be suspended – because their posties keep getting their fingers caught in anti-theft letterboxes.

Properties in Osprey Heights in Inverurie have all been fitted with anti-burglar hoods inside the letterboxes, which help stop thieves fishing for keys.

But Royal Mail is now demanding residents change them as they are putting staff at “risk of injury” – or face having their mail diverted to the delivery office a mile away.

A letter ordering the changes were posted to several streets within the development this week.

In it, Royal Mail’s Inverurie office manager David Cruickshank says he has been in touch with housebuilder Barratt to resolve the matter.

But in response to inquiries from homeowners, the developers have stressed the letterboxes comply with standards and that removing the security cowl could “compromise security of the property”.

In his letter to the affected streets, Mr Cruickshank said: “As you may be aware, we are experiencing some difficulties in consistently and safely delivering mail to your address, this is due to the guard inside your letterbox causing an obstruction and restricting our ability to deliver without injury to the fingers of delivery staff.

“Several delivery officers have reported cuts to fingers and grazed knuckles due to the robustness of the plate.

“I have visited addresses with restrictor plates, accompanied by members of Royal Mail’s professional safety community to see if by applying safe systems of working we could overcome or mitigate any risk of further injury.

“But I’m sorry to advise that whilst the plate is in place we simply cannot get mail through without injury and actions need to be completed to ensure we can continue to deliver to you and your neighbours.”

The firm previously pressured homeowners in the street to make similar alterations last September.

However a significant number have not taken any action, leading to the residents being told to resolve the issue within a fortnight or have their deliveries suspended.

That would mean their mail would be brought as far as the delivery office in Constitution Road. Alternatively it could be delivered to another secure spot or different address.

Last night, Barratt North Scotland’s managing director David Palmer said the door, door lock and security firm had been fitted to a national design and that the firm pays the “utmost care and attention when it comes to the design, quality and safety” of their properties.

He said they had followed regulations and building code requirements which would allow for a “swift exit” in event of a fire, resulting in the security cowl.

He added: “For this reason, we cannot remove the security cowl, and cannot recommend homeowners to do this either.

“Over recent months we have tried to engage with Royal Mail with the aim of identifying their concerns and finding a workable way forward. However, to date, they have not responded to any of our attempts to engage.

“We remain committed to finding a workable safe solution and will continue to try and engage with the Royal Mail to resolve their concerns as soon as possible.”

Yesterday, one resident said: “The letter said we have to take action within the next two weeks, but we aren’t really sure what we’re meant to do.

“My husband thought about removing the security guard himself, but we’re waiting to hear back from Barratt Homes.

“I really hope they don’t cancel our letters. That would be really annoying.

“The letterbox doesn’t seem that dangerous to me – the bristles in the letterbox are a bit hard, but that’s it.”

Another added: “There certainly seems to be a stalemate between them and Royal Mail at the moment.”