Bradford Abbas villagers feel "completely isolated"
Residents of the Dorset village are "outraged” that their local post box is no longer in use
“Isolated,” “forgotten” and “disconnected”… That’s how we are told some residents of Bradford Abbas feel about where they live.
Bradford Abbas has recently had their only post box removed and has been without a bus service for six years.
People without a car or those unable to drive rely on a £10 to £20 taxi to take them to their nearest shop, two and a half miles away via a dual carriageway.
Councillor Robin Legg told us: “If you’re an older person you might not be able to drive anymore or you might not know how to use technology, so they're truly isolated.
“They can't get out on a bus, and they don't have access to the modern telecommunications that make life easier for the rest of us, so they needed the post box.”
Earlier this month, the Royal Mail sealed off and painted over the traditional George V post box in black, signifying it was no longer in use.
In 2021, the village’s only shop was not “commercially viable” and subsequently closed much to the “dismay” of villagers.
Cllr Legg said: “The village shop has had a succession of owners who struggled to make it viable and then in 2021, the then-owner managed to sell the property to its current owner who were dead keen to turn it into a private residence.”
The Royal Mail informed us: “The new owner requested the post box be closed down. Due to the premises being a listed building, the box has to remain in situ, although it has been taken out of service.”
Cllr Legg replied: There's been quite a tussle to try and retain the box in its current location and what rather amazes me and amazes people in the village, they removed the box without thinking ‘oh dear, there's no other box in the village’.”
According to the Royal Mail work is ongoing to find another suitable location to place the post box.
“We’re committed to placing a post box in the village and are working towards finding an acceptable location,” they said.
“There has been several months’ worth of communication with the Parish Council. A location on public land in Churchwell Street was found, however, planning permission was refused.”
"The council has suggested a location outside the village hall, but it is on private land and there are potential issues with access."
In the meantime, residents wanting to use a Post Office have been given the option of a sub-office in the village hall one day a week.