A plea from Shaw Liberal Democrat Councillors for a gold post box in the town to mark the recent Olympic success of local hero Matthew Walls has been refused by Royal Mail.

Shaw cyclist Matthew won a Gold and Silver medal at the recent Tokyo Olympics.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE who made the request on behalf of his Shaw colleagues to the Chief Executive was ‘very disappointed’ at the response.

“It is clear that Royal Mail regard the action they took after the 2012 London Games in painting postboxes gold as a never-to-be-repeated homage to this nation’s Olympic success,” said Councillor Sykes.  “It is a real pity that they do not feel able now to continue the practice as a gold postbox is a clear symbol to local residents that one of their own has done them proud.”

Councillor Sykes added: “I am sure that the residents of Shaw will want to see a suitable public tribute to Matthew, and they can rest assured that as local Councillors we are now actively exploring ways that we can show our appreciation of his achievements in a public space.”

“And in the meantime, I will be delighted and honoured to second the proposal at the September Council meeting to confer upon Matthew the Freedom of the Borough of Oldham,” concluded Councillor Sykes.