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Newton Hall Post Office shared a statement on social media after the current post box was covered in preparation for its upgrade into one of Royal Mail’s new digital models.
While the upgrade is part of a national rollout, staff and residents said they were not informed of the timing and are worried about the impact the upgrade will have on both its security and service.
In a Facebook post, Newton Hall Post Office said: “We knew it was coming, but didn’t know when, until they wrapped it up yesterday. In Royal Mail’s latest anti–Post Office agenda, they’re converting the post box outside our branch to one of their new digital boxes that accepts small parcels.”
The branch argued that although some customers may welcome the new system of posting parcels directly into the box, the upgrade relies heavily on scanning parcel labels and Royal Mail’s online systems to issue proof of postage.
Security was another major concern raised by the branch. According to staff, a video posted online appears to show that once a few parcels are inside the new digital box, the design may allow someone to reach in and remove items.
The post stated: “Once there were two to three parcels inside, due to the design of the parcel chute, someone can actually reach through and take parcels back out from the box.
“As far as we currently know, Royal Mail aren’t planning any additional collections from the box either, which, given the box used to fill often with just letters, means its capacity will reduce further once parcels are added.
“You’d also not receive any proof of postage then from Royal Mail, as we understand this is only sent once the mail is scanned at the sorting office. This essentially leaves you at a total loss, with no item and no proof that you sent it.”
The branch also criticised the national rollout of parcel lockers, describing them as “anti‑community” and suggesting that they could contribute to the closure of local Post Office branches.
They added that they had also not been informed on the time frame for the upgrade, ranging anywhere from three weeks to more than three months.
In response, a Royal Mail spokesperson said customers should “be confident” as the new post boxes include built‑in security measures and will take a few weeks to install.
A spokesperson said: “Our new postboxes of the future will offer another convenient way for customers in Newton Hall to access Royal Mail’s services, alongside home delivery and collection, our Customer Service Points, Post Office branches, lockers and Collect+ Parcelshops.
“The boxes have security measures built in and customers should be confident that their items will be delivered to the intended recipient.
“There will be no changes to the letter functionality of the postbox and it can be used for posting both letters and parcels, with proof of posting for both available via the Royal Mail app.
“The box will take a few weeks to complete and collection times will remain the same when it reopens.
“If customers do need to use a postbox, there is one available close-by on Auckland Road.”
