CANVEY’S post box shutdown mystery has been resolved...the postie, has indeed, lost his keys!

The Echo told yesterday how bemused residents on the island were unable to post letters as all the boxes were taped up.

Social media was rife with worry, with residents fearing the red boxes were on their way out.

There were also rumours keys had been lost.

Now Royal Mail bosses have apologised and confirmed to the Echo ten boxes are currently out-of-use due to keys being misplaced - sparking security fears.

David Thomas, Castle Point councillor and a Royal Mail employee, said: “Yes, I can confirm a set of keys have gone missing.

“All post boxes were cleared of mail using a spare set of keys and then all affected boxes were sealed up as a security measure.

“New locks and new keys have now been ordered and will be fitted as soon as possible.

“As the original keys went missing the boxes cannot be used because someone in the public domain may have these keys and could gain access to people’s mail.

“As security of the mail is paramount, this precaution needs to be taken to prevent anyone, not authorised, gaining access to anyone else’s mail.”

Residents reported post boxes being taped over in Kings Road, one on Dovervelt Road, in Meppel Avenue, one in Furtherwick Road, another in May Avenue as well as the post box on the seafront.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We can confirm that unfortunately ten postboxes on Canvey Island are currently out of service after the keys were misplaced. Royal Mail would like to sincerely apologise to customers for the inconvenience this may cause. New keys are on order. We hope to reopen the boxes soon.”