ROYAL Mail has responded to the post box toppers that have been seen in Rainhill and neighbouring areas.
Group of yarn bombers around the region have been painstakingly creating crocheted 'bonnets' for post boxes.
The Star reported last month how talented knitters in Rainhill had risen to the challenge and given the village post box a colourful makeover.
Coming up with designs has also proved a hit in neighbouring areas such as Warrington.
Postmaster Sara Barlow asked the Women’s Institute to brighten up the standard red post box on Warrington Road, Rainhill after seeing some of the knitted creations in Wales and across the UK.
Eight members of the group took out their knitting needles and wool and came up with an idyllic village scene featuring the Skew Bridge over the railway, a steam locomotive and George Stephenson as well as villagers and children.
Sara said: “As postmasters, we have a Whatsapp group and several people had shared pictures of their post boxes with knitted people on top.
“I knew the ladies from the Women’s Institute would be able to make something just as fantastic so I set them a challenge.
“What they’ve done in just six weeks is wonderful and it’s making so many people smile.
“I’ve even had messages from people saying they’re going to come and see it in real life.”
She added: “I put it out every morning and take it in every night, to keep it safe, but everyone loves it.”
Sandra Reeves, Edna North, Linda Walker and Lynda Roberts created the knitted scene together with Jill Moran, Chris McGowan, Rita Carrier and Sue Reeves.
But what does Royal Mail think of the creations around the region?
A spokesperson said: "Over the years we have enjoyed seeing the various post box toppers that that different groups have showcased in communities across the UK.
"We first began to see these toppers in 2012 over the festive season, although this soon spread to other key times of the year such as Easter.
"More recently, we have noticed decorations celebrating various frontline workers during the pandemic, including postal workers."
The Royal Mail say they value the passion of the post box yarn bombers but have asked toppers do not obstruct people posting items or posties from collecting mail.
The spokesperson added: "Royal Mail's iconic postboxes are a treasured part of communities around the UK and are for use by our customers.
"For those groups who enjoy crocheting, knitting and decorating our thousands of post boxes across the country, we generally advise to please ensure that the decoration doesn't cause a safety concern or any kind of offence.
"Care should also be taken to ensure the toppers do not obstruct other customers from posting items, or our posties from collecting mail.
"We appreciate the resident's passion for creating these works of art, and value their interest in Royal Mail."
Have you decorated a postbox in St Helens? Get in touch with Andrew by emailing news@sthelensstar.co.uk
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