Ref. 29352-21THE Post Office is to permanently close an Eldene post box after repeated attacks on postal workers.

The latest attack left a postman with facial injuries.

The post box, in the shopping centre, has been a trouble spot for more than four years.

It is now set to close because Post Office officials say they are not prepared to risk staff safety any longer.

The postman, who the Post Office will not name, was collecting post from the box at 6.30pm on Thursday when a football came towards him.

He returned it to its owners a group of boys.

They then started taunting him and shouted at him before kicking the football into his face.

Post Office spokesman Adrian Booth said: "We have had a lot of problems with this particular box. It does have a history.

"Only a few months ago youths were found to be putting fireworks in there, which set the mail on fire.

"The latest incident has been reported to the police.

"We will not compromise the safety of staff. Our staff should not have to worry about being abused by youths or anyone else when carrying out their job.

"They do a worthy job and provide a public service."

It is not the first time the Post Office has been forced to seal the post box.

Mr Booth said: "Last time we sealed the box, the tape was ripped off and Post Office notices explaining to the public why the box was sealed were also torn off."

Coun David Wren (Lab, Dorcan) said: "I was shocked to hear of the recent attack. I will be asking for a meeting with the Dorcan sorting depot to try to resolve the problem.

"A post box is essential for the local community.

"Eldene currently seems to be suffering with a few thugs, who hopefully will be caught with and dealt with by the police."

Coun Wren met Eldene Community Association last night to discuss installing of CCTV in the centre to try to eradicate anti-social behaviour.

He also said the nearby post office would be collecting letters and parcels while the box was sealed.

An Eldene trader who did not want to be named said: "A group of mindless thugs has ruined it for the rest of the community. It's totally unfair."

The nearest post boxes are in Stubsmead, Eldene Drive and Thorne Road.

Anyone with any information relating to Thurs-day evening's attack can call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Emma-Kate Lidbury