26 postboxes were painted gold between Wednesday, January 31 and Monday, February 5, 2024, with the majority of the incidents in the Temple Hill area – described by police as criminal damage.
Royal Mail told the News Shopper on February 7 that it was in the process of restoring the postboxes to their original red painting – with many painted back red again over the weekend according to residents.
Today (February 19) residents have noticed that some postboxes have been repainted again – this time pink with gold splotches, just like Mr Blobby.
Mr Blobby is a character originally featured on the British Saturday night variety show Noel’s House Party, broadcast on BBC One during the 90s.
Two of the Mr Blobby postboxes were seen in Temple Hill the corner of Trevithick Drive and Wellcome Avenue and on Joyce Green Lane.
Locals told the News Shopper that they first noticed the change early this morning and claim that they had only just been repainted red over the weekend.
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Kent Police is aware and enquiries are ongoing.”
Kent Police arrested a man on February 13 in connection with the initial postbox painting incidents and said that he was been released on bail until May 4 whilst enquiries continue.
The arrest was made when police were on patrol in Oldfield Place, Dartford, noticed a man fitting the description of a suspect.
Dartford’s community appears to be split on whether they post boxes being painted in alternative ways, with some seemingly welcoming the makeovers whilst others think it is wrong to tarnish the traditional style.
One user wrote on Facebook: “I think the new coloured boxes, brightens up the area.”
Another added: “Reminds me of when that chap on Watling St painted his house like Mr Blobby years ago.”
One commenter said: “What a waste of money and time, the poor man only just painted it back red. It looks ridiculous.”
The painted postboxes have previously been noticed on several streets, including Keynes Road, St Vincents Road, Victoria Road, Pilgrims Way, Fulwich Road, and Welcome Avenue.
A particular one on Farnol Road was quite different to the others, sporting a black and white pattern that looks a little like a cow print.
