Leaning postbox in Folkestone sparks safety fears for children
Published: 06:00, 26 August 2021
There are fears a damaged postbox in Folkestone could end up hurting, or even killing, a child.
The leaning red mailbox can be found in Black Bull Road, opposite Mundella Primary School.
It is understood it was damaged after being hit by a car several weeks ago.
But residents are surprised nothing has yet to be done to repair the pillar box.
Elaine Nicholson, 73, said: "This has been like it well over four weeks.
"Children have been seen playing round it. If it fell, a child would be seriously injured or worse. Same for an adult.
"It is very close to the school, which is soon to re-open.
"I get the impression it was hit by a car, and there is some tape on the road side, but nothing around the post box to stop it falling.
"I don't understand why it hasn't been fixed."
Ms Nicholson, of Grace Hill, said one of her friends did report the damage at the sorting office in town, but so far no action has been taken.
She added: "My friend says it's actually getting worse since I took the photos."
There are currently more than 85,000 postboxes in England and 115,500 across the UK as a whole. Postboxes stands within half a mile of over 98% of the UK population.
They are owned by Royal Mail, which is responsible for retaining them.
The company says its team is in contact with Folkestone council to gain clearance to close the pedestrian crossing to reinstall the pillar safely.
Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone
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Sam Williams