Strand on the Green Post Office Closes Permanently
Horizon equipment removed after Mrs. Joshi's retirement
Mrs Joshi with her son Milan when he was at school. Picture: Milan Joshi
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April 29, 2024
Lingering hopes that the Post Office on Strand on the Green may reopen have disappeared after it was confirmed there would no longer be a branch there.
This Thursday (25 April) The Post Office completed the final accounts and have removed the cash and stoke. The following day equipment was removed from the store including the safe and the controversial Horizon accounting system. She was fortunate that no accounting errors emerged from the flawed system at her branch.
According to Mrs. Joshi’s son, Milan, discussions had been taking place on the possibility of a new person to run the branch but the idea was not followed through by the Post Office.
It is thought that this puts an end to around 100 years of a Post Office being based in the area and Post Office Alley provides a reminder of the now lost service although this is believed to refer to a previous branch at a location close by.
The branch shut temporarily this January because of Mrs Joshi’s ill health and although she did see some improvement it was decided the following month to make the permanent decision to retire. She has been diagnosed with lung fibrosis which is a terminal condition.
Mrs Joshi bids farewell to the Strand on the Green Post Office for the final time. Picture: Milan Joshi
This marked the end of four decades of service at the Post Office for which she was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2013.
Mrs Joshi with her son outside the Post Office. Picture: Milan Joshi
Mrs. Joshi , who is originally from Gujarat, came to London from India in March 1980 with her husband and son Milan, who was then aged two. She took over the post office after she spotted it was near Strand on the Green school where she was planning to send Milan.
In 1990, her husband, Dilip, died of a brain haemorrhage and she was left to run the business alone and bring up her son.
Mr and Mrs Joshi soon after they took over the Post Office. Picture: Milan Joshi
She is a popular local figure who was considered to be at the heart of the community and her role was particularly valued when she continued to open the branch as often as she could during lockdown despite her own compromised immunity.
Milan with his father outside the office. Picture: Milan Joshi
Her many local customers started a crowdfunder to buy something for her retirement with bench in her honour nearby on the Thames Path being one option considered.
We asked the Post Office if it would like to make a statement about Mrs Joshi or explain the decision to close the branch permanently but no response has yet been received.
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