Rush to run shop (From Stroud News and Journal)

Rush to run shop

RESIDENTS in Chalford have launched a bid to take over and run the village post office in Chalford.

The present owner Tony Walsh is leaving at the end of next month but no buyer has yet been found for Chalford Valley Stores and Post Office.

Now Mr Walsh has suggested selling his house separately which would give residents the opportunity to rent the shop and post office.

"They have got a couple of months to sort themselves out," said Mr Walsh who has run the Post Office and Stores for nine years.

A group of villagers have now got together with the aim to continue the business which they believe is vital to the community spirit in the valley.

A delighted Mrs Tor Kelly, a spokesmen for the group, said: "Our aim is to keep the shop and the post office as it is.

"The whole village is very excited about being able to keep it."

The villagers believe the venture will viable enough to pay employees, who would be supported by volunteer shop assistants from the village.

Meanwhile, Post Office Limited has announced the proposed closure of the Cashes Green Post Office at Springfield Road.

Spokesman for the Post Office Paul Maisey said: "Our nationwide network of branches faces a critical point in its history. There is simply not enough custom for the number of branches in towns like Stroud.

"The sub-postmaster of Cashes Green post office does not wish to continue. He has our provisional agreement as part of our planned programme to restructure, modernise and safeguard our branch network.

The closure of the post office seems to be the most appropriate option."

Anyone affected by the closure of Cashes Green post office can contact Post Office Limited before Friday, May 21.

Letters should be marked for the attention of Paul Maisey at: Post Office Limited c/o National Consultation Team, P0 Box 641, St Albans AL1 5XN.