Royal Mail has suspended the delivery of mail to a number of streets in Bishopton after a postie was assaulted on his rounds.
Police Scotland has launched an investigation into an incident which happened in the village’s Carrick Road on Wednesday, February 25.
Residents of the address – as well as Craighead Road, Almond Drive, Cawdor Crescent, Morar Crescent, Yarrow Crescent, Teviot Drive and Ettrick Drive – have been told their post can be collected at Erskine Delivery Office in Rashielee Avenue for the time being.
A letter, which has been signed by the customer operations manager and distributed to those affected, described a “serious incident of abuse” towards a member of staff on the day in question last week.
It explained the risk associated with delivering to these properties was now “unacceptably high” because of the “threat of further customer abuse”, before confirming the matter had been reported to police to conduct enquiries.
“Royal Mail will be working with the police and as part of that we will consider what needs to be done to ensure we can safely resume deliveries to your addresses as soon as possible,” the note said.
It added: “I hope you can understand that this exceptional step has been taken in order to safeguard Royal Mail employees.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The wellbeing of our colleagues is our highest priority and we will take the necessary steps to ensure their safety at work.”
It has been advised anyone unable to collect post from the delivery office should get in touch with Royal Mail to make alternative arrangements until it can resume deliveries.
Councillor James MacLaren, a Conservative representative for Bishopton, confirmed he has been approached by a number of constituents about the situation.
He added: “I would have liked to have seen Royal Mail contacting the councillors to let them know what’s happening, instead of us having to learn about it third-hand and being left in the dark about it.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing following a report of a man assaulted on Carrick Road, Bishopton, on Wednesday, February 25.”