RISHTON SURGERY - 12th OCTOBER 2010

A special surgery was held at Rishton Free Gardener's Club on Tuesday 12th October to inform residents of the progress made in securing a new post box for the lower end of the village. Following renovations to properties on James Street in 2009, Royal Mail removed a wall-mounted box and have not replaced it which has caused much resentment amongst residents who now have a lengthy uphill walk to the nearest one at the Post Office. Originally, a new box was promised to Rishton Area Council within 6-8 weeks of removal by Fred Trewen of Royal Mail although this ultimately did not happen.

The Collections Manager at Royal Mail in Blackburn, Julia Bateson, has given various reasons for the decision, ranging from blocked planning permission to low usage of the original box. Cllrs Ken Moss and Harry Grayson have found that none of these reasons are true and have been campaigning on behalf of residents since January 2010. Letters and petitions from the councillors have received no response and an invitation to the surgery so that Royal Mail could explain their position was ignored.

Cllr Moss said, 'I would have thought that an ideal way to get in touch with Royal Mail would be by post but we have been completely ignored. The surgery was very well attended and showed tremendous public feeling on the matter. We aren't asking the Earth, we are trying to help the Post Office. Our next step will be a letter to Hyndburn MP Graham Jones who has already promised to intervene.'

Various other issues were raised at the surgery including new bus shelters, dog fouling and dangerous fencing on Holt Street recreation ground. Updates will be given at the next public Rishton Area Council meeting at 7.00pm on 9th November at St Charles School.