The Post Office has announced it will retain and invest in its Lupus Street branch following a year long campaign by neighbours and politicians.

A strong community campaign led by Westminster MP, Mark Field with Westminster City Council has managed to prove how successful the Crown Post Office is after a petition to Parliament prompted a government response.

The popular post Office was set to close after an announcement last April saying it would be merged into the Eccleston Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road branches as part of the Post Office Ltd's business modernisation programme.

Many elderly people and those living in the large Churchill Gardens Estate use the post office regularly to receive and make payments as well as to use the postal service.

Conservative and Labour councillors worked with the residents to ensure the post office did not close, with both Tory Mr Field and former postman and leader of the post worker's union, Alan Johnson showing their frequent support.

Alan Johnson MP (second from right) with Churchill ward Labour councillors

The campaign was so successful the Lupus Street branch will now not only stay open but will be invested in by the Post Office.

Mr Field said: “This is excellent news. For about a year and a half the local Pimlico community have been working hard to keep this very busy Post Office branch open as it is provides a vital service to many local people.

"I am pleased the Post Office were prepared to listen to local people.

"This is a great victory for the whole community but if we are to keep it open I encourage local residents to take advantage of the broad range of services the branch offers.”

Roger Gale, general manager of the Crown Post Office network said they decided to retain the branch as circumstances have chance since the original proposal was made.