A FINAL push to raise funds for the relocation of Stogumber’s community shop and Post Office will feature an open day next week.
Villagers will be able to call in on Friday, August 23, between 10 am and 5 pm to see the new premises at 4 High Street, meet the shop volunteers, view the plans, and ask any questions.
The permanent home for the shop and PO will be next door to the existing shop, which has been run at a small profit by a volunteer group since the retirement of the previous owners in April of last year.
A community share offer has been raising funds to finance the property acquisition and business move and has so far brought in £175,000, just shy of the £188,400 needed when fees and duty are added.
The remaining money has to be raised by August 31 or the opportunity could be lost and villagers fear the shop and PO would not be viable in the long-term.
A spokesperson said: “We just need one more push to get us over the line and secure our new shop home.
“We need to ‘seal the deal’ by the end of August.
“We cannot expect the owners of No. 4, who have kindly given us this summer to raise the funds for the favourable sale price agreed, to wait any longer.”
The relocation is needed because the current premises are rented and has a four-bedroom house and garden which can only be accessed through the shop.
A planning application for the conversion of 4 High Street has been unanimously supported by Stogumber parish councillors.
Cllr Cliff Matravers said: “It is vital that Stogumber keeps its community shop.
“At present the shop is managed by a local community steering group who rent the old shop premises.
“Unfortunately, these premises are too big and there could be expensive repair costs to keep it operational.”
Somerset Council has set itself a target of August 20 to determine the application.
Anybody who wants to help save Stogumber Shop and Post Office should email [email protected] or visit its website here.