I’ve had further discussions with Royal Mail and they have now agreed to try to repair the post box. This means that it will have to be removed and taken to their local workshops so needless to say I’m concerned about whether it will ever come back! It does seem, however, that Royal Mail have an agreement with English Heritage ”for the retention of all boxes in operational service at their existing locations..” Obviously the key point is whether it is classed as being in operational service.

I’ve been told that in the event that the box can’t be repaired Royal Mail would provide a replica of a Victorian ‘Penfold’ Post box in its place but it seems to me that no replica could ever be as good as a properly restored original. My suggestion of using a local specialist to repair the box has been rejected as Royal Mail say that repairs can only be carried out by ROMEC, their own in-house engineering section. It’s interesting that it’s the same section of Royal Mail which gets to decide whether or not it can be repaired. I’ve asked for an independent opinion to be taken as one man’s impossible job might be anothers opportunity to show his range of skills!