Petition Launched as Post Office Closure Continues
Local councillors demand reopening 'as a matter of urgency'
Cllrs Joanna Biddolph and Peter Thompson outside Chiswick Post Office
May 20, 2025
With the prolonged closure of Chiswick’s Post Office continuing into a third week, local councillors have launched a petition calling on Post Office Ltd to reopen the branch as ‘a matter of urgency’.
It also asks for ‘clear and transparent communications’ and support for the postmaster and staff to resume services as well as more investment in the branch to secure its long-term future. At the time of writing nearly 500 people had signed.
The petition states, “This essential local branch has now been closed for several weeks, without adequate notice, explanation, or a firm date for reopening. The closure has caused significant disruption for residents, especially older people, those in sheltered housing, and those without internet access, who rely on the Post Office to pay bills, withdraw cash, send parcels, and access vital government services.
“Local businesses are also affected, with many relying on postal services to operate day to day.
“The closure comes at a time when bank branches across the area are closing, making access to financial services even more difficult for those who are not digitally connected or able to travel easily. Many now face long and costly journeys to alternative branches, or are simply unable to access services at all.”
The number of post office branches in the UK has decreased significantly over the decades, from approximately 25,000 in the mid-1960s to around 11,805 as of March 2024. While the overall number of branches has remained relatively stable in recent years, this stability masks underlying issues as sub postmasters struggle financially. Many branches have been replaced with part-time "outreach" services or "drop and collect" points, which offer limited services and are often open for only a few hours per week.
It is understood that the Chiswick Post Office is largely cross subsidised by the convenience store within the premises and this remains open although just with one person serving from a kiosk.
The shop remains open but no postal services are available
A significant number of branches across the country are listed as "temporarily closed," but many of these closures become permanent. Research by Citizens Advice found that the number of temporarily closed branches has doubled since 2013, with two in three remaining closed for over a year. If a branch closure is deemed ‘temporary’ no local consultation is needed.
The precise reasons for the closure remain unclear and Post Office Ltd has not responded to multiple requests for comment that we have made to them.
There is speculation locally that the branch may have fallen victim to a cyberhack or that the closure of the Post Office is a prelude to the long-expected announcement of the redevelopment of the building but there is no evidence to support either of these scenarios.
The possibility that the premises could be fully converted into a convenience store, with the Post Office counters closing, has also been raised. We have been unable to confirm whether the terms of the lease for the unit would allow this to happen or if the shop must shut if the Post Office ceases trading.
The Royal Mail has confirmed that the delivery office next to the Post Office remains open but declined to comment on the arrangement between it and the sub postmaster. It is understood that the freehold on the building belongs to TT Group having been bought from Royal Mail in 2007 as part of a sale and leaseback agreement. Royal Mail’s fifteen year lease on the building expired in 2022 and it is believed it is being extended on a rolling basis until plans are drawn up for demolition and redevelopment. However, our understanding is that the issue that has resulted in the closure of the Post Office is not related to the lease.
Click here to sign the petition.
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