Norfolk Royal Mail post box closures branded ‘ridiculous’

But for Royal Mail, people are wondering if its new favourite pastime is to annoy its customers after deciding to close dozens of post boxes across the county to install new technology.

People affected by the closures, which have appeared without warning across Norfolk, have called the situation “ridiculous”.

It has left people without cars or mobility issues worrying how they will send cards to their loved ones, with just days left before the big day.

One of the new postboxes recently installed in Drayton (Image: Marilyn Northwood)

Marilyn Northwood, 72, who lives in Drayton, said: “It is just ridiculous, why would they do this just before Christmas.

“It is awkward for people like me as I do not drive. it is not good for local people.

“No one warned us about it happening and the people in the post office did not seem to know what was going on either.”

Christmas is a busy time of year for Royal Mail (Image: PA)

Ms Northwood is among a number of people who have complained to this newspaper about the situation.

People from Gorlston, Taverham, Great Yarmouth and even Derbyshire have all been in touch to complain.

A postbox wrapped up in Magdalen Street (Image: Marcus Moore)

They worry the elderly will be particularly affected and others have questioned why they could not keep them in operation until the day they were due to be replaced.

Several post boxes have been taped off with black bin bags put over them – some for several weeks.

They are to be replaced with “post boxes of the future”.

Royal Mail says it will be the biggest change to the facilities in 175 years.

Royal Mail’s new postbox of the future, which are being rolled out across Norfolk (Image: Royal Mail)

The company is currently rolling out updated designs that will allow customers to send and return parcels up to the size of a shoebox.

A solar-powered barcode scanner will open a drop-down drawer to place parcels that would not fit through the traditional slot. The slot will remain in place.

It follows stamps with barcodes being introduced in February 2022, as part of Royal Mail’s modernisation of its systems.

Ms Northwood says a post box near her has now been replaced with one of the new digitalised units, but she questions whether they will be successful.

“Technology has a habit of going wrong,” she said.

“Does this new technology mean they will do away with more post offices?

“If they do reduce the number of post boxes or post offices, elderly people who have disabilities like myself will find it harder to post their letters.”

South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy (Image: UK Parliament)

Terry Jermy, Labour MP for South West Norfolk, worries the post box closures will have an impact in rural areas.

He said: “Constituents regularly get in touch regarding postal delays and this decision will only exacerbate this.

“In rural areas like South West Norfolk, we need more services, not less.

“And though I look forward to the modernised changes Royal Mail is making to its post boxes, it is disappointing that they would choose December to begin the changeover.”

Undated handout photo issued by Royal Mail of their new postbox of the future, which are being rolled out across the country. They feature a solar panel, a barcode scanner and a drop down drawer to enable customers to send parcels. (Image: Royal Mail/PA Wire)

Royal Mail has refused to respond to questions about the post box closures and did not provide a list of where post boxes will be shut before Christmas.

A spokesman for the company has previously said: “Our new post boxes of the future offer another convenient way for customers in Norfolk, Lowestoft and elsewhere to access Royal Mail’s services, alongside home delivery and collection, our customer service points, Post Office branches, lockers and Royal Mail shop outlets.”

It remains unclear when the rollout will be completed, and whether the affected post boxes across the county will be back in action before Christmas or not.