A long-running Post Office branch will shut tomorrow - and the closure has partly been blamed on the loss of a nearby community centre.

Sunny Dhanda has run the postal branch in Bockhanger, Ashford, for 16 years but will close it for good tomorrow.

He says the loss of the 50-year-old Bockhanger Community Centre - which was demolished last year - has hurt footfall.

Mr Dhanda, who also runs Dhanda Stores which is in the same parade of shops as the Post Office, says regeneration is needed in the area.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is currently running a consultation on the redevelopment of community facilities in Bockhanger and Bybrook.

But Mr Dhanda said: “We can’t run the Post Office as it’s not being used enough.

“The council just isn’t investing money in the area.

“We’ve lost footfall since the community centre closed, but it’s not completely down to that.

“If the council rejuvenates the area, maybe I’ll take back the unit, but at the moment it’s just not cost effective to be in both shops.

“Thank you for all the support we’ve been given - we’re still welcoming customers in the other unit.”

Last year, a petition campaigning for a replacement community hub attracted 1,700 signatures.

But the petition - set up by ward member Cllr Diccon Spain (Lab) - was rejected by ABC.

At an ABC meeting in July where Cllr Spain’s petition was debated, plans emerged for a “predominately residential” development consisting of about 20 to 30 homes to be built on the site of the former community centre.

But now the Kennington Community Council, which was formed in May, has made it a priority to ensure residents have a community facility that “truly meets their needs”.

Earlier this year, the consultation began with a workshop at the St Mary’s Community Centre in Rylands Road where residents met with police officers and councillors to discuss ideas for the future development of community facilities.

A residents’ survey is currently being carried out before a ‘community conversation’ workshop is held in March.

Later that month, a report with recommendations will be presented to ABC at its full council meeting.

But Cllr Spain says action is needed immediately.

“The Post Office closure at Bockhanger square is yet another knock-on effect of the community centre being removed,” he said.

“I have been told business has really fallen over the last year since the centre closed and has made trading conditions very difficult for the four shops in the parade.

“Frankly, Bockhanger should never have been left in a position where there is no community centre or hub on this site for any significant period of time.

“The time it’s taking and the uncertainty about providing the top-class community hub facilities people need at the Bockhanger square site may well cause more damage to the community.”

A Post Office spokeswoman confirmed the branch is to shut, leaving the closest alternative in Faversham Road.

“The postmaster for Bockhanger has resigned and the premises, that we do not own, will be withdrawn for Post Office use,” she said.

“Alternative branches in the area include Kennington and Ashford.

“We understand how important a Post Office is to a community.

“We are working hard to restore a service to the area as soon as possible.

“The vacancy for Bockhanger Post Office is advertised on our website www.runapostoffice.co.uk or email ND.enquiries@postoffice.co.uk or 0333 345 5560, then select option two.

“Our field team has been to the area to speak to retailers.”

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