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The postbox outside Titchfield Post Office, known for being ‘yarn bombed’ for special events, will be replaced with the new solar-powered version.
Royal Mail’s proposal has met with resistance from people in the community due to fears it will disrupt a local tradition.
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Paul Holmes, Hamble Valley MP, has been in contact with Royal Mail, pleading for a reprieve for this specific postbox to preserve the yarn-bombing tradition.
He said: “I’ve had many constituents get in touch regarding the Royal Mail’s plan to introduce a new solar-powered digital postbox in Titchfield.
“I have been in contact with the Royal Mail, pleading for a reprieve for the postbox outside of the post office.
“Titchfield has a rich history of being yarn bombed, particularly for special events and I am keen to keep this tradition.
“I’m disappointed to read that the Royal Mail is planning to go ahead with the new solar-powered digital postbox in Titchfield.
“I will continue to put up a fight on this.”
Royal Mail has confirmed that the new postboxes will be introduced to Titchfield despite the concerns.
The solar panels, located on the top of the crown of the new postboxes, require a clear line to the sun to function properly.
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Royal Mail has requested that no items be placed on top of these postboxes to avoid obstructing sunlight.
This means that the traditional yarn-bombing practice will not be possible with the new design.
Royal Mail, in a letter to Mr Holmes, explained that the new designs are a part of their move towards more flexible posting options, primarily for electronically prepaid items.
The new design allows for the posting and return of labelled parcels, up to the size of a shoebox, 24/7.
Royal Mail reassured that the new design has been carefully crafted to blend with the existing post box structure so that the overall appearance remains largely unchanged.
However, while this may be the case visually, the functionality of the new postboxes means they will not be able to support the yarn-bombing tradition, which requires items to be placed on top.
