Postmasters in rural communities have raised concerns that the rollout of automated “postboxes of the future” could threaten the survival of their businesses. Kevin May, who operates the post office in Barton Stacey near Andover, Hampshire, warned that his branch could lose hundreds of pounds each year if customers choose to use the new postbox instead.
“[The post office] has been here, we believe, for about 200-odd years and I would absolutely hate for us to be the last postmasters to be able to serve this village,” he said. Postmasters argue that the new outdoor postboxes could divert foot traffic away from traditional counters, affecting their income and the viability of long-established local services.
Royal Mail has defended its plans, stating that it has received “positive feedback” from customers. In the summer, the organisation announced it would install 3,500 solar-powered postboxes across the UK. Capable of accepting items as large as a shoebox, the company described the launch as the “biggest redesign in its 175-year history”.
Some rural postmasters are actively campaigning to maintain the current facilities. Kate Brealey, a postmaster in Bradfield Southend, Berkshire, led a successful effort supported by hundreds of local residents to keep the village’s existing postbox rather than replacing it with the automated version. She said, “I was incensed that Royal Mail would put a postbox right outside the post office that would take customers away from using us and affect our remuneration and our viability.”
Local officials have also voiced concerns. Kimiko Dearing, chairman of Bradfield Parish Council, stressed the importance of the post office as a village hub. “I can understand [the new postboxes] being the future for other areas, say in commuter areas where people are in a rush and it’s not so easy to get to a post office. But in a nice, rural village, I don’t think they’re necessary,” she said.
A Royal Mail spokesperson emphasised that the new postboxes are intended to complement existing services. “Our new postboxes of the future offer another convenient way for customers to access Royal Mail’s services, alongside home delivery and collection, our Customer Service Points, Post Office branches, lockers and Royal Mail Shop outlets,” they said. “We’re pleased to see positive feedback from customers in areas where the new postboxes have already been introduced, and we’re hopeful that local residents will find them just as useful and convenient.”
