Hackney residents have launched a petition and planned a flash mob after the sudden closure of London Fields Post Office on Broadway Market, which has left the community in 'rage'. The closure, which occurred on July 10, 2026, saw the landlord repossess the premises from the operators, David and Rajani, at 3am using drills and angle grinders, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Nearly 1,400 sign petition to reopen post office
An e-petition urging the landlord, Hackney South & Shoreditch MP Meg Hillier, and Post Office Ltd to reopen the branch has gathered almost 1,400 signatures. Pete Smith, 71, told the LDRS: 'My feeling is that when we learned what was happening on Friday morning, there was just rage, but a lot of sympathy and a determination to do something to save it.' He added: 'David and Rajani and their staff are very, very well liked. They’re sweet, kind people. I really adore them.'
Elderly residents hit hardest by closure
Kathryn Lovering, 80, described the Post Office as an 'essential' service, especially for elderly people in an area with few cars. She said: 'You can do your banking there, buy all your Post Office items there, and return things. It’s the only shop on Broadway Market that sells newspapers.' She added: 'I have a balance disorder, which means I can’t walk very far because I get unstable. The next Post Office is far too far for me to walk, and now there are huge queues.'
Landlord disputes claims over rent arrears
Some residents alleged the landlord, Mr Ismet Serce, planned to close the building due to rent arrears from a pandemic refurbishment period. However, Mr Serce's solicitors denied these claims, stating: 'If the former tenant wishes to challenge the forfeiture, the proper route is through the court, not through a public campaign based on misleading information. The tenant’s solicitors have been contacted, but to date the tenant has been avoiding contacting the landlord or his solicitors with a view to resolving this matter.'
Post Office and MP respond
A Post Office spokesperson cited 'operational reasons' for the 'unplanned' closure and said they were working to 'restore service as soon as possible'. The nearest alternative is Cambridge Heath Post Office, 0.45 miles away. Hackney Council officers have offered support in discussions with the landlord. Dame Meg Hillier MP said: 'I know how important local post offices are for residents and I am pressing to ensure minimal disruption of services and for a solution to the issues in play.'
Flash mob planned for Sunday
A flash mob supporting the Post Office is set for 3pm on Sunday, July 19. The petition states: 'The parties have different accounts of the circumstances that led to the closure, and we do not seek to comment on the legal merits of that dispute. Whatever the outcome of those issues, the closure has had a significant impact on the local community.'
