Residents and councillors are celebrating the installation of a post box marking a triumphant end to their six month campaign.

Thanks to this little box, householders on Canvey's sixty acre Castle View estate will no longer have to take their lives in their hands just to post a letter.

Mail men - Ray Howard and Ray Edwards with the new post box they have been campaigning for Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Before its installation, the nearest pillar box was on the Hilton Road estate meaning residents had to cross busy Somnes Avenue and face a ten to 15 minute trek.

Now, they can just nip to the end of their road and post a letter in less than five minutes.

Ray Edwards, whose wife Carol was at the forefront of the campaign before she died, is pleased her goal has finally been achieved.

Mr Edwards, of Castle View Road, said: "It is only about a hundred yards away from my house and is outside the Co-op.

"It has made a difference to the whole community. The post box, in my eyes, is a nice memorial to Carol - every time I go to post a letter I will be reminded of her."

Tory Councillor Ray Howard supported residents as they took on Royal Mail and has been praised by householders for his tireless approach.

Sharon Tivey, 38, of George Close said: "Ray did a good job and didn't let us down.

Delighted Mr Howard said: "The Post Office and Royal Mail eventually saw common sense and installed the facility that was desperately needed, following a six month campaign."

Published Monday, June 2, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo