A post office in Chelsfield may close after the subpostmaster was been asked to leave the premises.

Dennis Penny, who has been running Meadway post office in Winsdor Drive for 12 years, was served a possession order for the property yesterday (June 18).

The 67-year-old said he was unable to negotiate a lease extension with the landlord and he and his wife now face being made homeless, with eviction imminent.

He feels the business is tenable and fails to understand why an agreement could not be made. 

Mr Penny told News Shopper: “We’re a viable post office – the whole thing is an absolute farce.

“We’re closing in spite of every effort to stay open. We provide a service for local people.

“Nothing seems to make sense – I’ve been trying for eight months to negotiate a new lease. I’ve had very little contact from the landlord, Bromley Council, or the Post Office.”

Mr Penny said he was only given the option of a five-year extension, without any chance to discuss the possibility of other arrangements.

The order was granted at Bromley County Court on May 22 and it is thought the property will be sold later this year.

Mr Penny said he has always previously had the opportunity to continue running and only heard for the first time his tenure looked to be over in December 2013. 

A Post Office spokeswoman confirmed the lease has expired but added the landlord has verbally agreed that the Post Office can remain for the time being.

She also said: “The subpostmaster has expressed an interest to leave under our Network Transformation Leaver Scheme, and he will receive compensation for giving up his business if we can find a suitable applicant to take on the Post Office.

“The vacancy has been advertised. An application has been received and will soon be put forward for six-week public consultation.”

Mr Penny said he said he will carry on as normal until an eviction notice comes in and bailiffs arrive.

Are you a resident who uses Meadway Post Office? How do you feel about a possible closure to the service? Get in touch joshua.barrie@london.newsquest.co.uk / @joshbythesea