MASSIVE THANKS to everyone who signed either online or in the shop.
Royal Mail have put our traditional postbox back where it belongs.

I have been running the Village Post Office in Bradfield Southend, Reading, for several years, and during this time, I have witnessed the  role our quaint, traditional postbox plays in our community. It is not just a red metal box used for mailing letters; it represents a touchstone of our local community and an essential part of our village’s charm.

Recently, Royal Mail has proposed replacing our beloved traditional postbox with a new, modern version. This change will not only alter the historical character of our village but also draw customers away from our local Post Office, thereby impacting our livelihoods and community engagement. Over the years, the Village Post Office has been more than a facility to send and receive mail; it has been a meeting place, a centre for local news, and an integral part of the fabric of our society.

Statistics show that small post offices in villages like Bradfield Southend significantly contribute to the local economy and community life. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, local post offices provide indispensable services and community value. By keeping our traditional postbox, we reinforce the position of the Village Post Office as a vital part of the community.

The modern postbox design might offer some technological benefits, but they do not meet the unique needs of our village. Our traditional postbox is more than sufficient for the mail needs of Bradfield Southend and enhances the unique aesthetic appeal of our environment.

We urge Royal Mail to reconsider this decision and allow us to retain our traditional postbox. Preserving it will help maintain the historical and community significance, supporting local businesses like ours.

Please sign this petition to protect the charm and economic health of Bradfield Southend by keeping our traditional postbox.