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Curious About Mailboxes Damaged By Town Snow Plows

BILLERICA (CBS) - Even after a couple of nice days, signs of our harsh winter are everywhere.

Who pays to clean it up?

Joe in Billerica Declared his Curioisty, asking:

"Are towns responsible for replacing mailboxes that their plow drivers destroy?"

Well, it depends on where you live.

WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports.

Mailboxes have taken a beating this winter. Many are busted and broken by snow plows.

Homeowners across the state want to know who is responsible for replacing broken mailboxes damaged by plows. Billerica's Department of Public Works has received several calls and complaints.

"The plow came by last week and the snow came up underneath it and knocked it right off the post," said Joe Byard of Billerica.

The good news for Billerica residents is that anyone who has a mailbox damaged by the town's plow will have it replaced at no cost to the homeowner. All you have to do call the DPW and they will put your name on a list and investigate whether it was really damaged by the town's vehicle. They will replace it in the spring.

But, mailboxes that collapsed because of rust or heavy snow will not be replaced.

For now, Byard will have to make due with his makeshift snow mailbox in order to get his mail.

So, what's your town's policy when it comes to broken mailboxes? Well, each city and town is handling it differently. Call your DPW and find out what steps need to be taken to replace your busted mailbox.

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