On October 10th, 2017, Simran’s Convenience Store Post Office in Farncombe (Postmaster Chirag Sidhpura) was closed when the Post Office’s first audit in 5 years of operation indicated huge six figure financial discrepancies. Immediately, Mr Sidhpura strongly challenged these discrepancies, noting that he wouldn’t have been able to trade if there was a deficit of that amount, as he wouldn’t have been able to complete any transactions. Nevertheless, to show his complete commitment to the Post Office and the service he provides to Farncombe, he supplied sufficient funds to offset the discrepancy in good faith that the subsequent financial investigation would vindicate him completely.
And, indeed following this investigation, criminal charges were dropped because no evidence of malpractice was found.
Surprisingly, on 5th February, Mr Sidhpura received a letter from the Post Office informing him of the termination of his contract without the right of appeal. The Post Office has not returned the funds he submitted following the audit.
On Friday, February 9th after meeting with Mr Sidhpura, Jeremy Hunt MP said, “It appears to me to be grossly unfair and unjust”, given that no evidence of malpractice has been found and that he has proof that he has followed all necessary procedures over this time.
Penny Rivers, County Councillor for Godalming North said, “the Farncombe Post Office provides a service to thousands of residents of this village. During the infamous Christmas floods and power cuts in 2013, it was the only shop that stayed open for miles, it was a life-line and kept us all in batteries, candles and firelighters during that dark time. The Sidhpura family did not desert us in that time of trial and we must not desert them now. We urge the Post Office to consider his appeal. He is one of hundreds of sub-Postmasters who have been treated in this way”.
Rector of Farncombe, Revd James Rattue, said “this community is shocked by the outcome of events at the branch post office. Quite apart from the impact the actions of Post Office Ltd on the Sidhpura family, the people and businesses of Farncombe will be considerably and adversely affected by its closure. We expect accountability and legal process. Chirag Sidhpura has shown respect for both: Post Office Ltd has shown neither.”
The Post Office is facing a class action suit from more than 500 of its sub-postmasters, who claim that a faulty computer system led to them being wrongly accused of false accounting or theft. https://www.jfsa.org.uk .