Cuts to island's 'iconic' post boxes confirmed

More than half of Guernsey's post boxes are being cut from service despite concerns raised about their loss.

Guernsey Post said it would shut 83 post boxes, cutting the number from 142 to 59, in the week starting 3 November as part of plans to ensure the service remained "fit for the future". It added the boxes would remain in situ, but not be used.

It said just under 60% of 500 respondents to a consultation raised convenience and accessibility concerns while nearly 30% were worried about the "heritage and landmark value of Guernsey's iconic post boxes" being lost.

Postal service bosses said they had listened to the concerns raised and retained 14 post boxes originally earmarked for closure.

Letter volumes have dropped by nearly 60% over the past decade, including a 15% fall reported this year compared to 2024, Guernsey Post said.

It said this trend reflected changes in customer behaviour and a need to revise how the service operated.

Chief executive Steve Sheridan said: "We believe the revised network offers a sensible balance between customer accessibility and operational efficiency, ensuring postal services remain sustainable for the future."

Guernsey Post said it understood how important the post boxes were and it said it would preserve their heritage by replacing timed collection plates with plaques with historical stories about them.

"These stories are an important part of our community's history and we want to ensure they are not lost," a service spokesperson added.

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