This post box in Brean which was in the spotlight earlier this year after we reported a post man had been bitten by a snake hiding inside is to be permanently discontinued.
Burnham-On-Sea.com learns that Royal Mail has decided that the post box at Brean Cove is to be completely removed on health and safety grounds.
We were first to report in April how postie Alan Wakley, pictured, had been bitten on the hand by an adder as he reached inside to empty the contents during his rounds.
But while the post box has been temporarily out of use ever since, the Royal Mail has confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com this week that the ‘last post’ has been sounded for the box.
Spokesman Tom Prendergast said: “Following the snake bite incident, the box was inspected and it was discovered that the back corner of the box had a small hole due to corrosion – this is were the snake had got in. Therefore, a replacement box was required.”
“Whenever a post box needs to be replaced, the local collection manager will review its usage levels and carry out a local assessment of posting facilities in the area to ascertain if a box is still required at or within the near vicinity of the present site.”
“In this instance, it has been decided not to provide a replacement box given the very minimal usage and there being sufficient alternative posting facilities in the area.”
He added that the nearest alternative post box is situated outside the chip shop in Brean. Several local residents are unhappy about the decision.
One, who asked not to be named, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s health and safety gone mad – a sad reflection on today’s world. There was one small incident and the box has been removed.”
