A community celebration has been held by Bush Hill Park Postmistress Andriana Ioannu Kamakian for her “lovely customers” at her new, relocated branch at 89 St Marks Road, Enfield, EN1 1BJ.
Her son, Avedis, runs the branch on a day-to-day basis as they already have another branch in West Green Road, Harringay, so they are both experienced at running a Post Office.
The previous postmaster at Bush Hill Park wanted to retire after 20 years’ service. Avedis had visited the area before and immediately had a “good feel” about the area. With Andriana they found suitable premises to take on the branch at a new location.
They completely refurbished a former dry cleaners to transform it into Bush Hill Post Office and shop. The Post Office, with its two counters, opened first to maintain service to the community. Then they have been busy stocking the retail side with stationery and partyware after listening to feedback from customers and knowing what works well at their other shop.
They invited their customers to a grand opening event to celebrate. Cypriot-born Andriana asked her Mum, Theo Ioannu, to fly over to be the special guest of honour to perform the “ribbon cutting” as she knew how hard Andriana and Avedis had been working to get their new Post Office and shop ready in time for the busy Christmas period.
Postmistress, Andriana Ioannu Kamakian, said: “Word is spreading about where Bush Hill Park Post Office is now based and we are open longer hours than the previous branch, which makes it easier for customers to visit.
“My son, Avedis, immediately took a liking to the area when he first visited. We decided it was a really good place to take on another Post Office. The people here are really lovely. Customers have been very welcoming. The landlord has had great feedback too from people really pleased that it is close to the residential area and a good location for commuters.”
Their new location is next door to where Bush Hill Park Post Office was originally based. It’s in a residential area and many people walk past the shop on the way to the station.
Post Office opening hours are: Monday - Friday: 9am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 9am – 1pm. This provides 46 hours and 30 minutes of Post Office service a week for the convenience of customers. The branch no longer closes at lunchtime closing.
Post Office Area Change Manager, Zoe Hall, said: “We are delighted that this great-looking new Post Office and shop has opened, which has allowed us to maintain Post Office service to this community and with the same wide range of products and services.”
Personal and business banking and bill payments is available, which is important as many bank branches have closed. Euros are available on demand and other currencies can be pre-ordered and Post Office Travel Money Card is another option for travellers. As well as Royal Mail and Parcelforce services there is the additional choice of DPD for buy in branch, drop off and collections. Vehicle tax renewal and ID verification services are also available.
There is time restricted roadside parking is available nearby and there is a dedicated disabled parking bay right outside.
A permanent ramp with a handrail and a wide door have been installed at the shop entrance to provide improved access for customers