His landlord’s plan to change the use of the building, if approved, could force Anil, 65, out of business and take away a much-loved local hub that has served residents for over 20 years.
In February 2005, Anil took over the Londis shop at 34 Crown Lane on a 20-year lease, stepping into a business previously run by the landlord since 1985. He and his family live in the flat above the shop, balancing family life with running what has become a vital resource for the community.
In 2017, the shop also became a Post Office, expanding services amid a sharp decline in banking options across Morden.
“There is only one bank left in Morden – Nationwide – and that only opens a few hours a week,” Anil told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
“We had NatWest, HSBC, Santander. All the banking services have gone to the Post Office, so we have taken on more and more.”
Alongside an ATM, Anil and his wife Rashpal also provide a delivery service, supplying newspapers and essentials like milk and bread to elderly residents seven days a week. “People depend on us,” he added.
However, the future of Anil’s shop was thrown into uncertainty last week after he discovered that his landlord wanted to change the building’s current commercial use. If approved, the landlord would be able to move towards a residential redevelopment of the site.
He found out when a letter addressed simply to the ‘occupier’ arrived from the council, giving just 10 days to object. “That is when my head started spinning,” he says. “I thought, ‘what am I to do now?’”
The applicant behind the change of use is Capital Homes (Morden Regeneration) Ltd, which is working with the landlord. Last April, Capital Homes was granted permission to build an 85-room hotel a few doors down at 18-22 Crown Lane.
In the week following the discovery, Anil has been involved in “countless” conversations with his landlord and council, in an effort to convince them that his closure would mean the loss of public amenity in Morden.
He told the LDRS that he will continue to plead with both parties but acknowledged that his fate seems somewhat out of his hands, considering his position as a leaseholder.
Despite this, the community has rallied to Anil’s side and has created a Change.org petition, which has attracted over 1,700 signatures in a matter of days.
One signatory named Nasreen commented: “Our family have been using this Post Office and shop for over 30 years. And judging by the numbers of customers waiting at the PO counter, this shop is a well-used local resource.
“Yes, build new homes at semi-derelict sites like Sainsbury’s car park. But don’t destroy viable businesses like Anil’s.”
Ronald and Sylvia Dominy added: “We have used this shop since 1962 when it was a very small ‘paper shop’ run by two elderly ladies. It has always been part of Morden and must not be allowed to close.”
Doug, another local, warned: “This is a viable business used by our family. Closing viable businesses will only hasten the decline of Morden.”
Morden’s future also uncertain
With Morden town centre’s redevelopment stalled and uncertain, Anil fears the loss of the Post Office would be an irreversible blow. “We will never get anywhere with the town centre redevelopment,” he added. “In the next 20 years, we will still be talking about it.”
Merton’s local Labour councillors have thrown their weight behind the cause. In a post on X on Thursday, they confirmed they had submitted an objection to “save this important community service from closure”.
This echoes the sentiment in the petition, which states: “While housing development is important, it should not come at the expense of essential local services. We urge the council to reconsider the proposal and recognise the invaluable role that Anil and his shop play in Morden.”
For Anil, running the shop goes beyond business. He has provided employment opportunities to a number of locals, including post Senior Post Master Frank Martin.
He added: “At least 20 or 30 kids under 13 have taken on paper rounds with us over the years. I’ve seen them grow up, get jobs, and now some have kids of their own.
“It’s so satisfying to know you’ve done something right, it stays with you.”
During a meeting with Anil earlier this week, the LDRS saw three customers come in to shake Anil’s hand and show their support. One customer of 20 years told the LDRS: “Anil and his wife are just good people.”
A decision on the change of use is expected on Tuesday (June 17).
Merton Council was approached for comment, but said it could not comment on live planning applications.
Anil’s landlord was also approached for comment, but failed to respond in time for publication.
