A RESTRICTIVE plate has been placed on a post box near Malton after problems with snails eating the mail.

The cover was recently put over the post box on Ryton Riggs Road near Eden Camp.

Local resident, Gill Pycock, said: “Since the cover has been put over the post box you can only put normal sized envelopes through - anything larger just won’t go through.

Gill added: “The problem is that the nearest post box is half a mile away in Great Habton or we have to come into the post office in Malton to post our letters.

“I have seen people actually waiting for the post man to arrive so they can hand their letters directly to him.

“I have phoned Royal Mail several times but have not had a response.”

Gill added: “We don’t want to lose the post box so it would be good to hear it will be returning to normal soon.”

Royal Mail spokesperson, Morag Turnbull said: “Due to an ongoing issue with snails getting into the wall-mounted postbox and causing damage to the mail, a restrictor plate has been fitted to the box at Ryton Rigg Road, Old Malton. The postbox is still operational and customers can post letters into the box, however larger items are unable to be posted.

“Royal Mail would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and a new pole mounted postbox has been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible which will ensure the box is fully operational for our customers.”