Vehicle demolishes mail box

The postal strike took on a literal meaning when a mail box was destroyed by a vehicle.

The box in Nower Road, Dorking, was reduced to rubble when it was smashed to the ground between 4pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, October 25.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said a vehicle reversed into it before speeding off.

She said a postal worker living nearby was alerted by his son who had been walking his dog and was quickly on the scene.

They removed the contents, which were then transported to Gatwick sorting office via Dorking.

Royal Mail said the damage had been reported to maintenance staff but it could not say when the box will be replaced.

Residents, who have been told to use post boxes in Vincent Road and Harrow Road West, said they were disappointed it could not be fixed quickly.

Patricia Pank, of West Bank, who uses the box regularly, said: "I am very surprised. The fact that there is no post box, which has always been so convenient, means I will now have to walk to the town when I do my shopping."

Another West Bank resident, who did not wish to be named, said he was told the post box will not repaired for up to six weeks.

He said: "I assumed they were going to repair it straight away, but they obviously haven't."

He added: "I don't know if there was anything valuable in it. I would think that a few young lads could push the brickwork over if they wanted."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The swift action of a dedicated member of our staff, and his family, ensured the safety of our customers' letters and packets. We apologise for any inconvenience."