Petition Launched to Keep Full-Service Post Office

Organisers argue that Robert Dyas proposal is inadequate

Robert Dyas is at 326 Chiswick High Road

June 13, 2026

A new petition has been launched calling on Post Office Ltd to abandon its plan to relocate Chiswick’s post office into the Robert Dyas store on Chiswick High Road and instead support the establishment of a brand-new, stand-alone full-service branch.

Organisers argue that Robert Days proposal is inadequate
A new petition has been launched calling on Post Office Ltd to abandon its plan to relocate Chiswick’s post office into the Robert Dyas store at 326Chiswick High Road and instead support the establishment of a brand-new, stand-alone full-service branch .

The petition, launched by Cllr Joanna Biddolph, argues that the proposed in-store model would mean a significant reduction in services including for a large number of local businesses that rely on the full range of post office functions.

Post Office Ltd’s proposal would see the current five counters reduced to three, with services delivered by retail staff rather than trained post office personnel. Campaigners say this would inevitably mean fewer services, longer queues, reduced flexibility at peak times, and the loss of specialist functions such as full banking services, money transfers, document certification, passport applications, DVLA photocard renewal, Evri services, and Drop & Go — all of which are heavily used in Chiswick.

The petition warns that the shift to a smaller, limited-service model risks driving customers elsewhere, reducing demand in Chiswick and ultimately threatening the long-term viability of any post office provision in the area. It also highlights the fragility of the in-store model itself: while Robert Dyas is currently stable, the same was once said of WH Smith, whose TG Jones-operated branches are now closing, taking their post office counters with them.

Campaigners say the consultation launched by Post Office Ltd is narrowly framed around the convenience of the new location, with little acknowledgement of the services that would be lost. The petition includes a detailed list of those reductions, arguing that residents deserve transparency about what is at stake.

The renewed push comes after years of uncertainty. Chiswick’s post office on Heathfield Terrace closed unexpectedly in 2025, prompting widespread scepticism about whether it would ever reopen. More than 3,660 people signed a petition demanding its return. When it did reopen — under new, experienced postmasters who quickly earned praise for their  professional service — many assumed the future of a full-service post office in Chiswick was secure.

Those postmasters have since applied for change-of-use permission at alternative premises, intending to establish a new stand-alone branch near Turnham Green Terrace. Their proposal, the petition argues, would guarantee continuity, maintain the full range of services, and ensure that the post office is run by people whose business is the post office itself.

The petition states:  “Chiswick needs and deserves a stand-alone full-service post office, not a quick-fix option that depends on the success of the host operator.”

Local councillor Joanna Biddolph, who has long campaigned on the issue, said the new proposal “fails to recognise the importance and significance” of a full-service post office to a community of Chiswick’s size. She warned that reduced services would force residents — particularly older and vulnerable people — to travel out of the area, undermining the viability of any remaining provision in W4.

The petition also notes the practical implications of moving into a shared retail space. The frequent long queues at Heathfield Terrace could not be accommodated inside a shop, and the flexibility to increase staffing at peak times — such as Christmas — would be lost. The current postmasters have already committed to matching the proposed extended opening hours to 6pm.

The Post Office is nevertheless prioritising the Robert Dyas proposal and says, "Our priority is to safeguard our services in the locality in the longer term and the relocation of Chiswick Post Office would enable us to maintain a Post Office service to our customers in the local community."

Its consultation on the proposal runs until 3 July up until which point you can complete an

online survey.

Residents can also submit their views via:

• postofficeviews.co.uk
• comments@postoffice.co.uk
• 03452 66 01 15
• FREEPOST Your Comments

The Post Office says all feedback will be “carefully considered” before a final decision is made.

You can sign the petition in favour of a full service post office here.