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Over recent months, numerous postboxes across the borough have been temporarily out of action – but now they’re returning with a modern twist.

The Royal Mail is rolling out a new generation of refurbished postboxes designed to meet changing postal needs.

While retaining their distinctive red colour, the boxes now feature clearer collection plates, improved visibility, and updated internal fittings designed to better handle thicker letters, small parcels and online returns.

These postboxes also feature solar-powered units on top, as well as a digital barcode-scanning drawer, allowing customers to send parcels by scanning a code before placing the item inside, without needing to visit a Post Office counter.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Postboxes are an important part of our national heritage, but they also need to work for today’s customers. By refurbishing existing boxes, introducing updated designs with new technology, we’re preserving that familiar presence while adapting to how people use postal services today.”

While letter volumes have declined nationally, Royal Mail says postboxes continue to play a key role, particularly for greeting cards, business mail and parcel returns. The upgraded boxes also feature more prominent collection time displays, making it easier for residents to check pick-up times at a glance.

Royal Mail has advised residents to continue using postboxes as normal and to check the collection plates on each box for the most up-to-date collection times.