A popular Post Office and long-established convenience store is closing down and could be turned into homes as the owner has decided to retire.

Kirti Patel, 63, has run the Londis shop, in Longport, Canterbury, for 42 years and won awards for customer service.

But after four decades of seven-day working weeks and long hours, as well as raising a family, she now wants to have time for herself.

The Post Office says it will not be opening a new branch in the area and nearest alternative counters are in St Martin’s Hill, Barton Road, Zealand Road, St Martin’s Hill or in WH Smith in the High Street.

Kirti, who is affectionately known as Kitty, says it is emotional to say goodbye to customers which she is doing with “a heavy heart” and mixed emotions, but also excitement for the future.

“Myself and my husband Subhash, who has been a huge support to me, created the business so we could give our two boys the best start and education and we are delighted and proud they went on to become medics,” she said.

“But I want to express my sincere thanks to each and every one of my customers who have been an integral part of my journey and I have seen three generations of.

“Thank you Kitty for long and reliable service and always being kind and nice...”

“Their unwavering support, trust, and loyalty have been the driving force behind our success. It has been an honour to serve this wonderful community, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of their lives.

“As I step into a new chapter of my life in retirement, I do so with fond memories and a deep sense of gratitude. While the doors to the shop will close, the bonds I’ve formed will always remain in my heart.”

Many customers have been expressing their gratitude to Kitty on social media since she announced the shop will be closing tomorrow (Wednesday).

“Happy retirement Kitty,” writes Sara Bain.

“I have grown up coming into your shop regularly as my grandparents lived in Love Lane. Many happy memories. Thank you for your great service within the community.”

“Thank you Kitty for long and reliable service and always being kind and nice,” adds Jonathan Barnes.

Kitty hopes to continue in a role for the Post Office, mentoring new staff and filling in at offices during times of holiday or sickness.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We want to thank Kitty Patel for being the postmaster for St George’s Post Office since 2014.

“With her extensive knowledge of Post Office products and services, Kitty is now to provide ad hoc cover for other Postmasters in the area.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the closure of this branch. However, there are two alternative branches within half a mile at Canterbury and St Martins Hill.

“Post Office is facing a particularly challenging period, as are other high street retailers and we are therefore not looking to re-open a branch in this area.”

The Patels, who live in Canterbury, have applied for planning permission to convert the shop back into three terraced homes, which is how the original street scene would have been.

The properties, which are Grade II-listed, date back to the late 1800s and were initially housing before being converted into a shop in the early 1980s.