Urgent call for Royal Mail box to be moved after pensioner falls on ‘dangerous’ slope

Residents in Saltash, Cornwall, fear someone is going to get hurt as their Royal Mail box is placed on a ‘dangerous’ slope – they are calling for the postal service to take action

Worried locals are calling for Royal Mail to move a postbox after a pensioner slipped while trying to post his letter.

Neighbours based on Lynher Drive in Saltash, Cornwall, branded the letter box “dangerous” because it is placed on a slope. They said it becomes particularly concerning during the winter months and compared it to the “walk of potential broken bones.”

Residents expressed their frustration on a local Facebook group, following the fall of the 86-year-old man. One person wrote: “I have to say the position of this postbox makes me anxious. I find the slope a bit of a challenge so I will always use the one by the shop! To some, it doesn’t seem a big deal but when you have a disability which affects mobility & balance it’s not great.”

Another resident wrote: “Totally agree, hate walking up that slope when it’s wet, have to be so careful and when it’s icy it’s the walk of potential broken bones [sic].” A third added: “Totally agree!” While a fourth said: “I agree Di it is very slippery when muddy. Moving it would be simple.” Another said: ”This postbox is on a dangerous slope. It should be moved.”

Over in Tamworth in Staffordshire, posties recently highlighted they also face hazards on their side after complaining of being attacked by a cat. Royal Mail threatened to stop delivering to Lee Haynes and Jo Woodley due to their cat Ernie’s wandering paws. The couple were forced to install an exterior letterbox and position it out of reach from their pet.

Lee, 44, said: “It’s hilarious. He’s such a placid cat and this is like he’s got some kind of ASBO. Ernie spends most of his time lying down but he’s just fascinated by the letterbox. As soon as he hears it he’s there like a lightning bolt. His paw comes out the letterbox to try and grab whatever’s there, but maybe he’s accidentally grabbing the postman’s fingers. He doesn’t use his claws, just the pads of his paws to try and grab the letter. But I wonder if the postman thought he might scratch.”

A spokesperson for Royal Mail addressed concerns over the postbox placement. They told The Mirror: “We are sorry to hear of this incident. We are actively looking at relocating the postbox onto a flat surface. This will involve conversations with the council and may take time, we thank everyone for their patience.”