A community’s attempt to save its post office and shop has been strengthened.
On June 14, Mid Suffolk District Council approved plans for work at Hoxne Shop and Post Office, which will see the post office and shop area of the Grade II listed building separated from the flat above it.
The Hoxne Community Post Office Group, led by resident Mike Barton, is currently trying to secure enough funds to take on the Low Street site, with the current owner set to retire.
A pledge campaign, set up by the group in March which ended at the start of this month, hit 80 per cent of its £200,000 target, with £160,590 generated from 549 pledges.
It is estimated that the whole project could cost £683,000 which includes an initial £412,000 to buy the building, around £140,000 for repair work on the roof and £15 on solar panels.
In a written submission accompanying the planning application, the community group said: “The shop and post office services are both vital facilities to the economic and social wellbeing of the village and the outlying rural community.
“Proposals outlined in the campaign to purchase the building and run and expand the facilities will ensure the long-term viability of the scheme.
“The potential revenue for the site will generate funds to invest in the upkeep of the listed building, as well as run the commercial areas, including a new heritage space for displays of local landmarks and archaeological finds that make the village famous.
“The revitalised shop and new community hub will provide employment opportunities and have both an economic and social benefit for the village.”
The group has also been boosted in its efforts after being awarded a £21,000 community development grant from the district council last month.
But the chance to access funding from the Government through its Community Ownership Fund (COF), which would have been the main source of money for the purchase, is currently on hold due to the general election.
On the current situation, Mr Barton said on the Hoxne Community Shop website: “There has been virtually no communication from the Government (there are strict rules about what they are allowed to say in a pre-election period).
“However, this is what we can tell you: the work on the application is done and we are ready to go.
“The early election has caught the COF off guard (as it has lots of people), meaning the fund is now suspended until after the election. It may restart after the election or may not and we are starting to think through alternatives to COF funding in case it does not.
“If you have made a pledge to buy shares or make a donation, then there is nothing you need to do; we have your details and will be in touch when we know what is happening.”
The shop has been in the village for more than 150 years, with the building being built in 1830.
It has been in almost continuous use as a grocers and drapers shop since that time, becoming a general store and newsagents from 1959
