A South Cumbrian town is celebrating the installation of a new post box after a year-long battle over its location.
Royal Mail announced that it was moving Broughton-in-Furness’ post box to Station Road after its post office on Princess Street closed.
The proposal, revealed in July last year, provoked fury in the town and a petition was launched against the plans.
People said a more logical – and safer – place was Broughton Square.
A new Post Office has since opened there, operated by Broughton Community Services CIC.
Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham stepped in, but Royal Mail stood by its decision to site the post box on Station Road, despite its proximity to the busy auction mart.
Mrs Scrogham referred its decision to the Postal Review Panel in January.
Yesterday, a new post box was unveiled outside the Post Office by Chris Makim, Royal Mail’s LA area collection manager. It was adorned by a crochet topper of a Royal Mail van made by a shop volunteer.
Annette Carmichael, on behalf of Broughton Community Services CIC which runs Broughton Post Office, said: “Royal Mail had some safety concerns over locating a post box here.
“In February an on-site meeting between myself, Chris and Steph Davis-Johnston of highways found a solution to these concerns.
“We are immensely grateful to Chris and Steph and would also like to thank Michelle Scrogham MP for her active support over this issue.
“It is fantastic to finally have the town’s post box back – and outside Broughton Post Office where everyone wanted it!”
Mrs Scrogham said: “I’m very pleased that Broughton-in-Furness’s new post box has been installed in the location local people knew was right for the town.
“Postal services remain a vital part of community life, particularly in our rural areas, and I’m pleased to have been able to support the residents’ campaign by writing to Royal Mail’s senior team and the Postal Review Panel.
“I’m glad that the local Royal Mail team listened to residents’ concerns and worked with the community to reach this outcome and I was delighted to join in with the inauguration of the post box.”
