'Secretive' Post Office Blasted After Speculation of Chiswick Reopening

Local councillors angry at lack of communication during closure

Cllr Peter Thompson (centre) and Cllr Joanna Biddolph (right) with Daxesh Patel who ran the Post Office until the closure earlier this year

August 30, 2025

As speculation mounts over the possible reopening of Chiswick Post Office early next week, local Conservative councillors have issued a sharp rebuke to Post Office Ltd, accusing the organisation of treating residents and businesses with “contempt” by failing to communicate during the prolonged closure.

Royal Mail staff have been telling residents to expect a reopening on Monday 1 September. There has been no official confirmation that this is happening but dedicated page for Chiswick on the Post Office web site appears to have been updated to show opening times.

The branch at Heathfield Terrace has been shut since early May, with no formal explanation provided until 30 May—25 days after counters first closed. In a statement at the time, Post Office Ltd cited “operational reasons” and launched a four-week statutory consultation, but gave no timeline for reopening or clarity on the future of the service.

Cllr Peter Thompson, Leader of the Conservative Group and councillor for Chiswick Riverside, criticised the lack of transparency, “While we understand some details must remain confidential, that is no excuse for refusing to share basic plans for closure or re-opening. Residents and businesses have been hugely disadvantaged, and even now, on the eve of reopening, they have been kept in the dark.”

Cllr Joanna Biddolph, representing Chiswick Gunnersbury, echoed the frustration, “Every day residents ask me about the post office. Questions quickly shifted from ‘when will it re-open?’ to ‘will it ever re-open?’ Many believe Post Office Ltd always intended permanent closure. The lack of communication has fuelled mistrust and frustration.”

The councillors’ concerns reflect wider community sentiment. A petition calling for the branch’s reopening has now surpassed 3,650 signatures, and local traders have reported financial losses due to the disruption. One business owner told councillors he would support “anything, whatever it takes” to restore services.

Post Office has acknowledged that any future service must be “sustainable” for both the operator and the organisation, but has not committed to a specific reopening model.

The building itself is believed to be on a rolling short-term lease, with potential redevelopment looming. Property professionals have speculated that lease renewal issues may have contributed to the closure, and the Post Office has not ruled out the possibility of relocating or restructuring the service.

Local Conservative councillors had previously proposed refurbishing the branch, improving its exterior, and allowing subletting within the premises to reduce costs—suggestions that were not taken up. They argue that Chiswick, with its 50,000 residents, major employers, and significant retail economy, deserves a reliable and responsive postal service.

“Chiswick is not a village high street,” said Cllr Thompson. “It is a major London suburb… Post Office Ltd has shown no understanding of our community’s needs, nor of the economic impact of its closure.”

While Post Office Ltd has apologised for the late notification and stated it is “working hard” to reinstate services, councillors say the damage to trust has already been done. “By disregarding residents’ daily needs and the business impact,” said Cllr Biddolph, “Post Office Ltd has damaged its reputation locally and nationally. It must now rebuild trust and show respect for the community it serves.”