VILLAGERS have met again to discuss setting up a community-run post office and shop but admit they will have to crunch the numbers before taking it further.
Residents of Cotherstone packed into the village hall late last month to discuss how, and if, they will put together a community buy-out of the local post office and shop, currently owned and run by Adam and Karolina Alston.
The couple, who bought the business in 2016, put it on the market earlier in the year, but approached the parish council about the community taking over because of lack of market interest.
Since an initial meeting in September, when more than 75 residents gave their support to look into the idea, a survey has been completed and a steering group formed.
At the latest meeting, the steering group -“made up of nine residents including a member of the parish council – outlined the findings.
Chairman of the group Tim Meacham said nearly everyone who responded to the survey was in favour of having a shop and post office in the village and used the existing one at least once a week.
He added: “Most of the respondents were over 45 years old and the overriding consensus is that having a cafe as part of it would be welcomed.
“One of the things is there needs to be a need and when you get a population of this age range I think that is an important factor.”
He explained the steering group had looked at the finances including funding, as well as options other than just purchasing the existing shop.
The group had also attended meetings and networking events with the Plunkett Foundation, which offers advice and support for community ventures.
He said: “There were 63 offers of help resulting from the survey. When people come together in number, they can do it. If the whole community comes together like this we can get it done.”
During the evening there were presentations from other members of the steering group.
Stewart Singleton said: “By far the easiest option is to purchase the shop and we could move in and allow the business to continue. The cons are the cost, which could be in excess of £350,000.”
He said the group had also looked into launching a cafe because the idea had been raised so many times in the village survey.
Several buildings had been identified which could be purchased and converted, including Hearse House, opposite the village hall, and the Methodist Chapel.
He said: “It looks like the Methodist chapel is going to be up for sale.
“It has a lot of space and would make a lovely shop and cafe. The down side is that it is massive and the running costs would be higher.”
He added the cost of buying the chapel would be about £100,000 with extra investment needed to convert it.
The village hall has not been ruled out as a potential venue.
Chris Butler and Chris Roberts talked through the financial options including grants, community share issues and loans from the public purse.
Those attending the meeting were invited to vote for their preferred option and raise any questions.
The steering group will collate all the information before reporting back.
Mr Meacham closed the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. He said: “This was not a decision-making evening but it gave us to think about.
