A vital Edinburgh Royal Mail delivery office has been granted permission to remain open after the local community rallied to save it.
Plans had previously been lodged to shut Strathearn Road Royal Mail Delivery Office, which has proudly served Southside residents for years. However, following a successful petition organised by Ian Murray MP, it's been saved.
The plans left many locals concerned for the number of job losses that would come with the closure as well as the impact that it would have on the staff and the posties within the area. Ian Murray MP also stressed that the decision would force residents to use the City Delivery Office on Russell Road - which he says isn't suitable for those who don't drive or have a disability.
Announcing the news on social media, Ian Murray MP wrote: "Thanks to your support, my campaign to Save Strathearn Road Delivery Office has been successful.
"I first heard of plans to close the office in January from local posties, residents and the community council. After three months of writing letters, 1,700 signatures on my petition (and even showing up at Royal Mail HQ in London to deliver it!), Royal Mail have written to me to say that the delivery office will remain open and they have "no current plans to close it".
"We could not have achieved this without your support and moments like this really show the importance of people power in shaping communities and protecting public and local services.
"Since I became the MP for Edinburgh South in 2010, we have faced numerous threats to services and spaces but I am always reassured by the willingness of constituents to join me, and often take the lead, in fighting for crucial amenities like the delivery office.
"I cannot thank local residents enough for signing the petition, providing support to our local posties, and the support that you have shown for our campaign. I look forward to using the delivery office for a long time to come even although I'll be keeping a very close eye on the Royal Mails "no current plans" response".
You can read the full petition here.