Wormshill Pillar Box in happier times
© Copyright Ron Lee and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
As many of you will know, our Victorian Pillar box was stolen by a bunch of ne’er-do-wells in mid-January. They were fortunately disturbed in the process and made off, but presumably did not have time to secure the box in the approved manner on their get away vehicle. The box was therefore able to make an escape bid of its own down, I believe, Bedmonton Lane. Obviously its previous travels in Sittingbourne had cured it of any greater wanderlust.
Whilst it was damaged in the process it was recovered and for a period of time was helping the police with their enquiries. Presumably they were able to extract some useful information without resort to waterboarding, through the expedient of opening the door.
Following a lead from Cllr Patrik Garten I have now been in contact with the Royal Mail investigator who informed me that there have been a spate of stolen boxes in Kent. Indeed, VHF advised me that she was unable to use the box opposite the Ringlestone as that too had already been stolen.
The latest news as at 20th February is that the Royal Mail are now intending to replace the box once it has been repaired. There are still a few issues to sort out and I don’t yet have a date but as soon as I do I will update the website.