Fight to save village store (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fight to save village store

VILLAGERS in Chalford face a second fight to keep their community-run village shop open.

The main volunteers who run the business have announced they are stepping down in April. Now more help is needed if the lifeline is to be saved.

In June 2003 a steering group of eight locals jointly took over the reigns after the previous sub-postmaster ended his nine-year tenure at the post office and adjoining stores.

The future of the post office is safe until at least 2008 but now managing the hub of the village rests on the shoulders of two volunteers - mums Camilla Boon and Tor Kelly. Several other volunteers help out at the shop but the pair say things must change when they leave.

"We didn't realise that two-and-a-half years on we would be solely responsible for it," said Mrs Kelly, 36, who has two young children.

"The running of the shop needs to be re-modelled as it is too demanding to remain as a voluntary post.

"It really needs a single paid manager or possibly a job share."

The possibility of a grant to pay a manager's wages for an initial period is being considered.

Villagers see the store as the heart of the community and many enjoy dropping in for a chat.

Camilla Boon, 48, who has four children, said: "I desperately want it to carry on, but it's just not sustainable at the moment with regards to manpower.

"We don't want the project to run into the ground so we have given good notice. The responsibility and time required of us in the running of the shop are taking their toll on our lives."

Chalford resident Jarvis Farrar-Khan said the shop is pivotal to the community.

"It would be a great shame to lose what has been a wonderful resource for the village," he said.