RESIDENTS in Sharples are certainly first class after they won won their battle to get their post box back after it 'disappeared overnight'.

Neighbours were left upset when they realised the post box on Thornham Drive had gone, saying it was well used ­— and it went without warning.

It turned out that the box had been attached to a concrete lamppost that was in need of removal due to corrosion, and a new LED lamppost was installed instead, but this time without the post box.

The next post office was said to be too far away for many elderly and disabled residents.

The Bolton News: Campaign by Sharples residents to have their post box returnedCampaign by Sharples residents to have their post box returned

After Cllr Hilary Fairclough invited Royal Mail to meet with herself and residents, the company said it will now be looking at getting the new box in place as a matter of urgency.

Sharon Walker, one of the residents who was a driving force behind the campaign, said:"Since moving here in 1983, there has always been a post box that is well used.

"It is really handy for a lot of residents around here.

"It was a positive meeting with Royal Mail, and a good turn out where we could share our concerns.

"A lot of the neighbours will be happy to see it back in the heart of the community."

Cllr Fairclough, who represents the Astley Bridge ward, said: "Unfortunately Royal Mail didn’t look for an alternative site immediately, or indeed check if they could use the original site, which would have caused the least upheaval, so residents were left without this much used post box.

"It was a bitterly cold day when residents and myself met up with a manager from Royal Mail, but it didn’t put them off, showing there support for the box to be reinstated.

"It just goes to show the strength of feeling there was to retain this vital service to close to home."

Cllr Fairclough is expected to find out in the next four weeks on where the post box will be put.