Call for Urgent Support for Chiswick Post Office
Councillors propose range of measures to ensure branch's viability
The shop remains open but no postal services are available
May 27, 2025
A call has been made by Chiswick’s Conservative councillors for an urgent package of support to be put together to ensure the financial viability of the Chiswick Post Office.
They have collectively called on Post Office Ltd to act immediately to reopen the branch and restore essential services for local residents and businesses and to provide the financial and structural support needed to sustain the branch for the long term. Elderly residents, in particular, rely on the Post Office to pay bills and withdraw cash. Many are currently being forced to travel long distances to alternative branches, facing not only inconvenience but, according to the councillors, unnecessary risk.
As reported on ChiswickW4.com recently, the company which operates the branch has not filed accounts since 2022 and the associated business which runs the Chiswick Convenience Store also appears to have seen reduced revenue.
It is believed that the trading position of these companies is behind the closure which has now lasted for nearly four weeks with no indication of any timetable for reopening. Post Office Ltd has declined to give further comment on the situation. Were the branch to close permanently, our research suggests that Chiswick would become the largest population centre in the UK without a post office.
Cllr Peter Thompson, Chiswick Riverside ward and leader of the Conservative Group said, “We want to know why Chiswick Post Office has closed and whether its prolonged closure is proportionate. The Horizon scandal has made everyone question decisions made about post offices including whether they are fair and respect what their customers’ need.
“Chiswick Post Office is more than just a business, it’s a lifeline for many residents. Every day it stays closed, the community suffers.”
Among the package of measures being proposed are a rent holiday covering the period of closure, a phased return to full rent over the three months following reopening, a permanent reduction in annual rent and more flexibility over subletting to allow other local traders so share the premises.
It is understood that the building currently belongs to property developer TT Group and is leased by Royal Mail which in turn sub-lets to the Chiswick Post Office and the convenience store.
Cllr Joanna Biddolph, who represents Chiswick Gunnersbury ward said, “This branch is burdened by sky-high overheads despite being off Chiswick High Road and on its south side.
“Allowing subletting would encourage people to go to the post office for other reasons, reduce costs, and improve the overall experience. Customers, residents and businesses come from Brentford and beyond. Post Office HQ must respect the wider significance of the Chiswick branch. Closing the door without any warning or communications is disrespectful to all its customers.”
The branch having been banished to Room 101 by Sheila Hancock on the TV show of the same name, the current management of the Chiswick Post Office is credited with restoring its reputation and boosting local satisfaction with its services. More than 1,000 people signed a petition for it to reopen just four days after it was set up by Conservative councillors and this has risen to over 1,700 at the time of writing.
The councillors also see the reopening as a chance to improve the Post Office building inside and out. Investment in the building is essential. Located in the Turnham Green conservation area, the premises are believed to have the potential to contribute more positively to the streetscape with improved signage and frontage.
“Many residents are seething about this closure. They depend on the post office for tasks such as drawing out cash and paying bills. They value this branch and want it to succeed,” said Cllr John Todd, who represents Chiswick Homefields ward. “The community has spoken. The Post Office must now listen.”
The councillors have formally requested a meeting with Post Office Ltd to discuss the future of Chiswick Post Office, including financial support, building improvements, and steps to help the branch thrive.
Cllr Peter Thompson stated, “We want a meeting with Post Office leadership as a matter of urgency. It’s vital we sit down together to find a practical solution that gets this essential service back up and running for our community.”
The delivery office at 1 Heathfield Terrace remains open as that is operated by Royal Mail.
Click here to sign the petition.
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