Local Group Fears Post Office May Be Next 'Victim Of Royal Mail Efficiencies'

As closure of Sorting and Parcel Office set for next month

The Chiswick Sorting and Parcel Office is to close on 19 May, despite local opposition to its move to Bollo Lane in Acton.

Ruth Cadbury MP, with members of Chiswick Labour Party, handed in a petition of over 400 signatures to Royal Mail's Blackfriars HQ last year, and organised a local letter writing campaign, all of which failed to persuade Royal Mail to change their stance. The Communication Worker’s Union which represents staff, was also opposed to the move.

Local activists say they are concerned that the nearby Post Office may be next to be targeted.

"Chiswick Labour Party will continue to campaign to protect all our local services and will be keeping a close eye on the Post Office itself, to make sure it too does not become the victim of further efficiencies,"

The loss of the Parcel and Sorting Office means that Chiswick residents will no longer be able to collect their parcels from the High Road Post Office, with a detrimental effect for elderly and disabled residents, who will find it difficult to access Bollo Lane.

The move of the office will also increase the number of delivery vans in Chiswick and lead to increased traffic around the Bollo Lane office.

Ruth Cadbury MP has expressed her disappointment with Royal Mail over the relocation of services to Bollo Lane. Ruth said: "This will result in a loss of service to Chiswick residents and overcrowded working conditions for the staff.

T"he Royal Mail Union CWU has told me of their concerns about shoehorning the Chiswick team into the Acton depot, and what that will mean for working conditions and the efficiency of the mail sorting process.”

Royal Mail said it had taken the decision after consultation with the union involved.

The Royal Mail said in a statement, "Royal Mail has confirmed that it is to relocate Chiswick Delivery Office to Action from May 2019. This follows detailed discussions with the CWU and our people in both offices.

"The proposed new location, at Acton delivery office, has sufficient space for our Chiswick delivery operations.

"This is part of Royal Mail’s ongoing transformation of its business to increase the efficiency of its operation as well as providing delivery offices which are fit for purpose for our people and for our customers.

You can find out more about deliveries by visiting their website.

April 4, 2019