Royal Mail is removing Titchfield’s traditional postbox and replacing it with a solar-powered digital machine that allows the posting of small parcels while side-stepping the use of the actual Post Office - which it is directly outside of. Revenues will go directly to Royal Mail and nothing will go to the Post Office. We do not want to lose our local Post Office and so are petitioning to keep our beloved and traditional postbox and to stop it from being replaced with a digital / solar version.

Replacing the traditional postbox in this way could significantly impact the viability of our Post Office and local shops, and leave no coverage of Post Office services in the surrounding area. Although we are not against progress and appreciate the needs of customers to post out of hours, redirecting the Post Office’s income in such a way could be irreversibly detrimental. Additionally, our postbox (which has received national recognition in the press) is in a charming and historic village community-hub area that we want to preserve along with being served by our friendly Post Office staff, and we want to ensure they don’t lose out financially.

Statistics show that small post offices in villages like Titchfield 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 our village Post Office as a vital part of the community. Digital Post Boxes may be better situated where there is currently no local Post Office or in high commuter areas – that would make more sense.

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, whilst supporting local businesses.

Please sign this petition to protect our postbox, Post Office, and the charm and economic health of Titchfield village. Thank you so much! Please share far and wide.