RESIDENTS have launched a campaign to save their only post box after it emerged it was pencilled in for removal.

East Rural councillor Julie Slater said she learned of plans to remove the post box, in Blacksnape, last week.

But, after contacting Royal Mail, she said plans to remove the post box, near to the former Red Lion pub, in Blacksnape Road, were temporarily shelved.

Now Coun Slater has launched a petition to save the box permanently.

She said: “Residents told me it was going to be removed, and it was due to be taken last Friday.

“The pub has been listed as an asset of community value so, although Royal Mail owns the box, this community asset is related to the building and the land around it.

“Residents had not had any letters, but there was a notice on the box.”

Coun Slater said she had got the council involved in her attempts to save the box. She said: “They have postponsed it, so I have saved it so far. The council will be sending letters.We need to save our post box and I have started a petition.

“If they were to remove that post box, the residents and farmers around the area would have to go into Hoddlesden, Darwen, or Edgworth, to post their mail.”

Eileen Pickles, owner of the former Red Lion, said: “Royal Mail is not using that post box enough, so they want to move it.

“I am happy for them to move it to wherever they want.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: “We are working with the council to identify a suitable site to relocate the postbox, prior to removing it from its current site.

“Both the council and Royal Mail have been in contact with local residents to advise on this progress.”