Sir – Some six months ago the post box on Canonsfield Road, Welwyn, was taken away for the repair of damage which was caused, I understand, when the box was undergoing routine maintenance. The location of this post box is only about half a mile from the

Sir - Some six months ago the post box on Canonsfield Road, Welwyn, was taken away for the repair of damage which was caused, I understand, when the box was undergoing routine maintenance.

The location of this post box is only about half a mile from the Oaklands post office, but that journey involves a steep hill and the opportunity to post mail at the top of Canonsfield Road is a crucial amenity for the many elderly people who live in the area. The posting facility at this point has been available to my knowledge for over 30 years and there has been considerable redevelopment in the area during that time. Mail was collected from the box at 4pm Monday to Friday, but that service is still missing.

On making enquiries to the Post Office Consumer Services today I was advised that they are still awaiting parts to repair the damage and it was thought that it might take a further two months before the work could be completed.

I believe that this situation reflects the attitude of the post office management to the general public and I suspect it is another example of curtailing a service without regard to their service commitment.

Douglas Fanthorpe, Birch Grove, Welwyn.