A HISTORIC Georgian post box in Upton-upon-Severn has been saved after the intervention of West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin.

The eye-catching Georgian post box is set into the wall of the town’s post office in Old Street, but town residents feared it would be boarded up or removed as part of the process of relocating the post office to Sean’s News in the High Street.

The box is popular with visitors to the town, many of whom have their photos taken posing beside it.

Last week Mrs Baldwin visited the town, taking in both the post office in Old Street and Sean's News, and talked to local people about what impact the changes may have, which will be fed back to the Post Office during the consultation process..

She said: “Quite a few local people expressed concerns about the future of the post box as plans are developed for moving the post office to the High Street. This Georgian post box is a valuable part of Upton’s heritage and is as important to tourism as the Pepperpot or the river front."

She also wrote to Royal Mail chief executive Moya Greene asking her to assure the future of the post box. The company has now responded, confirming that the historic post box will be unaffected by the changes to the post office.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I am delighted that the Royal Mail has responded so quickly to reassure us all that the post box is safe. Local people will continue to be able to post their mail as they shop along Old Street and tourists will still be able to have their photo taken with this iconic piece of Upton history.”

The Post Office says it is proposing the branch’s move in order to create a modern, open-plan branch that will also boast extended opening hours. For more information visit postofficeviews. co.uk or call 03457 22 33 44.