Rail Against Royal Mail

Haddenham residents local to the former Beehive Stores (or more recently, Threshers off licence) in Churchway are up in arms over the Royal Mail's decision to close the postbox located in the wall of the building (Postbox HP17: 167).

Shortly after announcing a big jump in profits to £440m in the last financial year, Royal Mail claims that the postbox does not receive sufficient mail to justify continuing collections.

Local residents beg to differ, however.

One lady resident questioned whether this was an official decision, given that no official Royal Mail notice was posted in advance, and that no sign was placed on the now sealed postbox to offer any public explanation. She wondered whether this had more to do with the new owners of the property rather than a business based decision by Royal Mail.

Another resident, however, noted that the sale particulars for the 'Beehive' property included specific reference to the continuing postbox facility in the property's front wall, when it went to auction last Spring .

George Dorrell, who lives in Willis Road, argued that the Churchway postbox covers a large area and caters for many residents at the Southern end of the Village. He felt that the withdrawal of this facility puts the nearest postbox at a significant walking distance for the residents living within a wide area around the former Beehive — many of them quite elderly.

Several local residents expressed surprise and disappointment that the postbox should have been closed so suddenly. If you'd like to let Royal Mail know your views, please write to Royal Mail, Customer Services, Glasgow G21 1AA ... but don't try posting your letter at the Beehive!