Postbox campaigner incensed as MP ‘claims credit’ for Royal Mail’s U-turn
A Hayling Island resident who successfully campaigned for Royal Mail to install a new postbox has been dismayed after she said a local MP was unfairly ‘claiming credit’ for the decision.
Maria Gay, with the help of neighbours, campaigned for a new postbox to be installed in Stoke after the previous one, situated outside a closed Post Office, was deactivated last July.
The campaign, which lasted just under a year, was supported by borough councillors Paul Gray and Mark Coates.
Maria said it included lots of toing and froing between herself, councillors and the Royal Mail – but added that it was only when she contacted the Royal Mail CEO directly that progress was made.
She said the MP for Havant, Alan Mak, was included in the campaign as she had written to him, but as far as she was aware, he got the same responses from Royal Mail as everyone else.
However, Mr Mak insisted it was his intervention and his campaign which had brought about the installation of the postbox.
Maria told The News she was disappointed to receive a letter at the end of April from Mr Mak, seen by The News and sent to all residents, crediting his work with Royal Mail as the reason behind the decision to reinstate a postbox in the area.
She said she was “incensed” but took some time to calm down before writing to the MP.
It said: “Whilst I am grateful for the communication you had with Royal Mail, I am very disappointed as the tone of this last letter from you appears to imply that credit for the success of the reinstatement of a postbox is due to your interaction with Royal Mail.
“This success is due to the constant letters and hard work of the local residents with the support of Paul Gray (Lib Dem councillor) and Mark Coates (Labour councillor) since last July.
Royal Mail believed the old Post Office had been sold and the new owners wanted the postbox removed, which was not the case. However, with the name of the CEO now in hand, Maria said she contacted them directly suggesting a new site for the postbox, which the CEO agreed to.
Maria’s letter closed with: “This sudden end of campaign claims for credit is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Only Paul Gray, followed later by Mark Coates, are entitled to claim any credit.”
In response, Mr Mak reiterated that he led the campaign and was decisive in the Royal Mail’s decision to change its mind.
Mr Mak said: “I’ve made repeated representations to Royal Mail about its decision to close the postbox in Stoke. My letter to the chief executive immediately after the closure resulted in a meeting between me and Royal Mail’s senior management. I also raised the issue with a minister in Parliament and secured their support.
“As a result of my work, Royal Mail has altered its position and agreed to reinstate the postbox. Others have been part of the campaign and in my letter to residents I specifically and openly credit the efforts of the wider community.
“However, that doesn’t alter the key facts: I led the campaign. As local MP I have the most influential voice and I’m now in discussions with Royal Mail to agree arrangements to install the replacement postbox. I’ll also be officially opening the new postbox, reflecting the role I’ve played in getting it reinstated.”
This sudden end of campaign claims for credit is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth