Mansbridge couple speak out after rubbish parcels ordeal

On Wednesday, December 20, it was revealed in the Echo that an animal sanctuary in Mansbridge had been receiving Royal Mail parcels filled with items such as empty bottles and screwed-up paper.

Living in Walnut Avenue, less than a mile away from the Second Chance Animal Rescue Centre in Mansbridge, couple Nikki Harrod, 40, and Michael Booth, 39, said they were relieved when they found out it was not just happening to them.

The couple said they receive around ten junk-filled parcels of all shapes and sizes weekly.

READ MORE: Second Chance Animal Rescue inundated with mystery parcels

Nikki said: “When I saw the story in the Echo we were so relieved – I thought someone had a vendetta against us and we were being targeted.

“I have had to tell the postman to take hundreds away. We have even opened some with the postman at the door – he is as confused as we are."

Nikki Harrod and Michael Booth (Image: Submitted)

The couple bought the house from Nikki’s uncle who used to run an upholstery business at the address.

“The only reason I can think of is that 25 years ago, our home was used as a business space – although that business is still running under a different name.

“Like the animal sanctuary, our parcels have no return address and are normally filled with screwed-up paper, bottle lids or nothing at all - just empty.

“The strangest thing is that in one we even had a book about the Kremlin – I have absolutely no idea why someone would do this.

“We were getting really freaked out until we saw it was happening to others.”

After hearing that the parcels were also being sent to a second address, rescue co-ordinator of the Mansbridge animal centre, Rose Milne, 72, said: “It is very interesting that it isn’t just happening to us.

“I do believe that we have all be caught up in some sort of scam – someone must be making money to keep sending these parcels.”