"Post box thefts a disaster for places like Rochdale" – Andy Kelly

An astonishing 25 post boxes were nicked in the 'OL' post code alone in the last year (that's Milnrow, Rochdale, Littleborough, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bacup, Heywood, Oldham and Todmorden). Residents are up in arms at the figures unearthed by the Rochdale Liberal Democrats. One estate in Milnrow has been waiting 10 months for a replacement.

Royal Mail have confirmed that residents on the Silver Hill Estate in Milnrow's wait for a Post Box continues. The old one was stolen by thieves ten months ago. Local Councillor Andy Kelly has been working with local residents to persuade Royal Mail to replace it. Royal Mail, who are suffering a spate of the Post Box robberies have admitted they are no nearer to sorting it out.

Andy said: "Residents on the Silver Hill Estate continue to be frustrated over their lack of a post box. Their old one, the only one on the estate, was nicked months ago. The Royal Mail have still not replaced it despite pleas from local residents including ourselves. I have been in regular touch with Royal Mail bosses about this and they admit they've no idea when they are going to replace it. These post box thefts are a disaster for places like Rochdale.

"In the days of email, text messages and social media, post boxes are not maybe as important to some. To the likes of pensioners they are a way of life. To have no post box means walking to the nearest alternative 15 minutes away across a busy main road. It's not right - that's why I am fighting to sort this for local people."

Andy's contact with the Royal Mail has largely been by email.