Long serving owners of Harris News and the Barnett Wood Lane Post Office, Rita and Arjeet Patel, have said their final farewell to Ashtead. They are retiring after eleven years' service to the local community although Rita commented that it seemed so much longer. Both Rita and Arjeet expressed their sadness at leaving Ashtead where they have enjoyed living but said that the time was now right to retire.

Residents' Association President Larry Unthank called in to present Rita and Arjeet with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the people of Ashtead. Larry thanked them for their service to the community and bade them the happiest of retirements as they move to Enfield with their two grown-up children to be closer to their wider family.

Ownership of Harris News and the Post Office will transfer to Amit and Amita Patel, no relations to Rita and Arjeet, whose family already own similar businesses in Sutton and Bookham. We welcome Amit and Amita to Ashtead and wish them every success and enjoyment in providing their services to the many customers who value the shop so much