Royal Mail axes deliveries to new homes after posties cut fingers on dangerous letterboxes

Royal Mail has halted deliveries to homes in a new housing development – because of dangerous letterboxes.

Posties have got their fingers caught and grazed in letterboxes fitted with anti-burglar hoods at new Barratt homes at Osprey Heights, in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

They are designed to stop thieves fishing for keys.

Home owners were warned they would have their post suspended unless they removed the letterboxes and deliveries ceased on Monday.

The suspension of service is a result of a row between the delivery firm and Barratt.

Royal Mail claims the anti-theft hoods are putting staff at risk of injury. It claimed the safety of workers was “paramount” and said the decision to stop deliveries was “never taken lightly”.

The guards were fitted to stop thieves fishing for keys through the door but postal workers have complained of cut fingers and grazed knuckles.

Barratt claims the hoods are made and fitted to building standards but it is understood a deal has been reached to stop fitting any more letterboxes.

Some residents have already removed or altered their letterboxes.

Those who haven’t either have to collect post from the Royal Mail office in Inverurie or set up deliveries to an alternative address.

Barratt North Scotland apologised to those affected by the ban, adding: “No agreement has been reached in relation to the letterboxes.

“We urge Royal Mail to help us identify a viable solution.”