SINCE the recent relocation of the Bovey Tracey sub-post office to the Spar store on the opposite side of Fore Street, residents have been without a postbox in the town centre and 24-hour postal facility previously offered.

Resident Jim Wallis emailed complaining to Royal Mail pointing out that at no time during the consultation period was it mentioned that the transfer of business to a new operator would result in the existing letterbox, which accepted items up to 6pm daily, being closed without a replacement being in place.

He highlighted that there was a notice on the redundant letterbox directing expectant users to three other boxes that all have limited collection times, all sited approximately half-a-mile away.

Mr Wallis said it beggars belief that Royal Mail did not survey and manage the transfer properly to ensure that the new provider was equipped to provide a fully uninterrupted PO service.

He forwarded copies of his complaints to Bovey Tracey Town Council and Central Devon MP Mel Stride.

Town council clerk, Mark Wells said pressure had been put on Royal Mail during the last week or so by the council and the local collections manager had agreed to site a pillar box type postal facility on the outside of Spar.

‘This is subject to necessary approvals by the county council, and it is hoped that this facility will be in place in February,’ said Mr Wells.

On Wednesday a Royal Mail spokesman said: ‘Royal Mail met with the owner of the Spar shop in Bovey Tracey and we have contacted the local authority for planning permission to install a postbox outside the premises.

‘We are pleased to report that this will be done as soon as possible and after checking the site for any underground utility cables.’