A VILLAGE has finally had its post box replaced - but its mouth is sealed shut.

Several months ago, a resident of Crane Moor Nook went to post a birthday card - only to discover that the post box had gone.

All that remained was the metal stump of its support post. Thurgoland parish councillor Ann Rowley swung into action to lead the fight for a replacement.

At first, Royal Mail resisted and the parish council wrote repeatedly in support of residents’ requests for the box to be restored to the hamlet.

Finally, this month, a new mail collection box has been installed, raising hopes of a return to postal collections as usual in Crane Moor Nook.

Unfortunately, normal service will not be resumed immediately, as the posting aperture is currently blocked shut by a piece of wood bolted in place on the inside.

Parish council clerk Avril Sturdy delivered the good news at last week’s meeting. “We have a new post box in place,” she said.

“But it can’t be used just yet. And no collection times have been announced. But it looks very nice.”

Coun Rowley quipped: “I wonder if they have put it there to shut us up?”

Mrs Sturdy said residents have thanked the parish council for their efforts in getting the box restored. It is hoped the wooden block will shortly be removed and the postal service can finally be restored.