A DISGRUNTLED resident has launched a campaign to see a battered postbox brought back to its former glory.

Simon Wallace, 53, wants to see the post box, on the corner of Brightwell Avenue and Westborough Road, Westcliff, given a makeover.

The postbox, which dates back as far as 1910, is covered in unsightly rust, flaking red paint and dents.

Mr Wallace, of Brightwell Avenue, said: “It could certainly be improved. It feels like Westborough ward is being a bit left behind compared to other parts of the town.

“Everyone living here wants to see the area improved as much as possible.

No one wants to see something looking rundown, it would be nice if the postbox could be given a lick of paint. We just want to brighten up the road a bit.

“I’m quite old fashioned and still send a lot of letters but it can be a bit disheartening when I get to the postbox.

“The last thing anyone wants is for the postbox to go completely, but we want to restore this important piece of history and street furniture. It has served us well and we want that to continue for as long as possible.

The postbox, which was installed when the majority of homes in Brightwell Avenue and Westborough Drive were being built, has survived a number of scrapes in its lifetime.

In the past it has been hit by cars and was even set alight.

Nobody from the Royal Mail was available for comment.