Chiswick could become the UK’s largest ‘town’ without a post office following its sudden closure, residents fear.
The post office at Heathfield Terrace closed around four weeks ago without clear explanation or a firm date of reopening.
Residents have been arriving at the post office only to find a sign on the door stating it is “temporarily closed” due to “unforeseen circumstances,” and directing them to the nearest alternative branch—more than four miles away in Barnes. The adjacent convenience store and Royal Mail delivery office remains open.
They claim the closure has caused “significant disruption”, especially to elderly and vulnerable residents, who rely on their post office to access government and banking services.
Local businesses have also been affected, they say, with many relying on postal services for their day to day operations.
Some fear the branch may not reopen after the Post Office announced plans to transfer 108 of its remaining directly owned branches in London to franchise operators by autumn — a move that could lead to closures and put around 1,000 jobs at risk.
However, the Post Office has informed The Standard that “this is not a permanent closure”, although they did not confirm when the branch will reopen.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the London Borough of Hounslow told The Standard: “We have very serious concerns about Post Office closures in both Hounslow and Chiswick, and – because of the way in which the Post Office has carried them out - how the Post Office is treating customers and stakeholders.
“The closures do serious damage, and cause serious upset, to local communities who rely on these services. We have called for urgent talks with the Post Office to help find a way to provide the proper support our communities need.”
A petition calling for the reopening of Chiswick Post Office, started by Hounslow Councillor Peter Thompson, has so far reached over 1,700 signatures.
The Post Office has been urged to reopen its Chiswick branch as a matter of urgency; to provide clear communication to residents; to support staff to resume services and to invest in the store’s long-term accessibility.
Cllr Thompson said: “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.”
One local resident said there were five post offices in Chiswick when she moved to the area in 2002.
She said: “This post office is a vital part of Chiswick and the surrounding communities. It is always full - there are always long queues which indicates that it is always needed.
“Despite so much being online nowadays, people still require the services of a full post office. I personally use it multiple times a month, and I am not the only one.
“How else can we send our loved ones who live far away parcels and letters? How else can we return items ordered online? How else can we buy foreign currency, get passport/driving licence/multiple other forms?
“A neighbourhood of this size cannot be left without a functioning post office.”
A Post Office spokesperson said: “Chiswick Post Office is temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances.
“This is not a permanent closure. We are working hard to try to restore service as soon as possible.
“It is not yet known when the branch will re-open and we apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
“In the interim alternative branches are Starch Green which is 1.38 miles away, The Vale - 1.62 miles away. Acton Banking Hub for banking transactions is 1.61 miles away.
“There are also two Drop & Collect branches offering pre-paid services and bill payment by card at Fauconberg Road and at Acton Lane, which are closest at 0.5 and 0.7 miles.”
“Visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder to see the products and services available and the opening times.”
