Surprise and concern after appearance of Royal Mail box in Shropshire town centre

The appearance of a new Royal Mail box in a town centre has sparked surprise and frustration from residents and a council.

Earlier this week the box, intended for the collection of parcels, was added to the pedestrianised area of Cheapside in Shifnal.

The area was refurbished as part of a £3.6m project that was completed in 2022, and is used by Shifnal Town Council as a base for a number of community events, such as the up-coming Christmas lights switch-on.

The box, which has appeared in the middle of the pedestrianised area, was met with confusion from a number of residents, who also pointed to the untidy nature of the installation with concrete left on the surrounding paving, and the unit itself.

Now Shifnal Town Council has revealed that it had no idea the box was being installed, until it was put in place.

It has also spoken about the prospect of its positioning causing significant issues in the planning of the Christmas Lights event - which sees stalls taking over the pedestrianised area.

The Shropshire Star has approached Royal Mail, and Shropshire Council to ask whether the new box was approved for the location.

Shifnal Town Council’s clerk, Denise Reynolds, said the organisation had not been approached over the plan.

She said: “I can confirm that Shifnal Town Council were not consulted in advance or indeed made aware that a new Royal Mail parcel installation was to materialise in the pedestrianised realm on Cheapside, Shifnal.

“The first the council knew of its existence was the morning it had been installed.”

The clerk said the box will cause “significant issues” with the planning of the upcoming Christmas lights celebration, and also pointed to the “shoddy” installation only a week after the council had paid for the town-centre to be jet-washed.

She said: “This causes immense disruption to the planned layout of community events such as the forthcoming Christmas Lights Switch On.

“With an expectation of 2,000 people in attendance, the planned layout of stalls and attractions is imperative to ensure safe movement of the crowds throughout this event. In fact, the placement of the Royal Mail installation will cause significant issues in this concern.

“Additionally, the installation method is shoddy, and concrete remains have been scattered across the pedestrian area, just a week after the town council contractors had completed jet washing of the area to improve the cleanliness and visual aspect of the town centre.”

She added: “The council has raised its concerns with Shropshire Council Highways colleagues and are awaiting confirmed feedback.”

Shropshire Council and the Royal Mail have both been contacted for comment.