A heroic sub-postmaster who foiled armed robbers has spoken of his 'betrayal' by Post Office chiefs after being stripped of his franchise.
Behesh Pandya was told of the decision last Tuesday, just days after celebrating his 25th anniversary at the store in Whitton Road, Hounslow.
Post Office bosses also confirmed they will shut branches in South Street, Isleworth and Chiswick High Road - despite receiving more than 3,000 letters of support from customers of the three stores.
Mr Pandya, who has until now been 'gagged' for fear of losing compensation, said: "I feel let down by this government, which hasn't appreciated my 25 years of service and hasn't listened to the public.
"This store is an essential part of the community and I want to keep it open but that will be very difficult."
The 59-year-old's brother became the first Asian sub-postmaster more than 40 years ago and Mr Pandya himself has run stores in Chiswick and Whitton High Street.
It is just five years since he risked his life to raise the alarm when gun-toting robbers raided his shop. He was still recovering from a serious operation when the attackers struck in the middle of the night. They kicked and punched him to the floor before tying up his wife, two children and elderly mother.
