Postmen across the Rochford district could soon have their job made easier.

The Royal Mail is applying for permission from Rochford Council to put up post pouches in Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge and Rochford.

It has applied to have 34 of the free standing boxes put up on roadside verges.

A report to councillors said the purpose of the pouch boxes is to accommodate the postman's second delivery bag. This will be delivered to the pouch box ready for collection when needed and means the postman doesn't have to return to the sorting office.

The report added: "The quantity of mail has increased by eight per cent over the last two years and the provision of pouch boxes will improve efficiency and provide a better service to the public."

The 4ft 6in boxes are painted dark grey to avoid confusion with post boxes.

They have already been installed in Basildon, Southend and Thurrock, although Castle Point Council rejected them.

There councillors decided the pouches would be too much of an eyesore and a danger to the visually impaired.

A spokesman for the Royal Mail said: "It is imperative that we have a secure place to leave pouches for a very short time and pouch boxes have been accepted by councils up and down the country."

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