A HELENSBURGH post box dating from the time when horses were the main form of transport has become a victim of the modern era.

Reader Ninian Stewart of Clynder contacted the Advertiser after spotting that the Victorian letter box on East Princes Street, outside Helensburgh Central station, bearing the insignia VR - Victoria Regina - had been taken away and replaced by an ordinary one on a metal pole.

He emailed us to ask: “What has happened to a Helensburgh landmark, namely the Victorian letterbox at the corner just outside the railway station main entrance?

“This was a welcome antique. A plain letterbox on a pole appeared last week! Why? If the VR box has gone for scrap that would be vandalism.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said a car had crashed into the box, leaving it badly damaged.

The spokesperson added: “We are currently looking to repair the box and every attempt will be made to salvage it. If this is possible, it will go back into its location.

“In the meantime, a temporary box has been placed at station entrance so customers can continue to post and to ensure that Royal Mail meets its post box obligations and Ofcom guidelines on posting facilities.”