8:50am Saturday 23rd May 2009
By Tom Moseley
A POSTMAN was injured by syringes drug addicts had posted into a letterbox.
The victim is off sick and is undergoing tests to see if he has been infected after being cut by the hypodermic needles while emptying the box.
The postbox, in Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, was boarded up until yesterday while Royal Mail bosses investigated.
It has now been reopened with a special “restrictor” which will only allow small objects to be posted inside.
Locals said they were shocked by the incident, and ward councillors insisted it was out of character with the area.
Tory councillor for Livesey with Pleasington John Williams said: “I can’t find words bad enough for this. Postmen do not deserve this.
“The poor guy has now got to spend three months in incubation without knowing whether he will die from Aids.
“We have asked the Post Office to convey our deepest sympathy to the postman and we hope he recovers.”
His fellow ward councillor Derek Hardman called for postmen to be given protective gloves.
He added: “It’s worrying, because it’s not something we are used to in this area. Drugs aren’t a major problem.
“It shouldn’t be a dangerous job. They are carrying out a public service we take for granted and we would be stuck without them.”
Resident Ian Ainsworth, 64, of Preston Old Road, said: “It’s absolutely disgusting behaviour. Complete stupidity.”
Yesterday Marie Gray, of Royal Mail, said: “The postbox at Preston Old Road was sealed after a member of Royal Mail staff was injured by a hypodermic needle which had been placed in the postbox."
Ms Gray would not confirm the extent of the postman’s injuries and said the investigation was ongoing.
The postman, who is believed to be from Preston, was cut after a number of needles were dumped in the post box.
Paddy Magill, of the Communications Union, said: “It is a concern. Post boxes are handy receptacles for letters, but unfortunately they are also handy for other things too.”
Blackburn with Darwen councillor Tony Humphries, a former postman and union official, said: “You have to take extreme care when emptying the box. Postmen shouldn’t be put in what could be a life-threatening situation.”
Police are investigating the incident.
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