| County | Wiltshire, South West |
|---|---|
| Postcode | SN10 4QU |
| Opened | 2005 |
| Post Office | Yes |
| Management | Managed plus volunteers |
| Legal | ViRSA IPS model rules |
| Premises | Conversion |
View a map of where to find us
8:30am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday
9:00am - 3:00pm Saturday
10am - 12pm Sunday
9am - 12pm and 2pm to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 12pm Wednesday
10am - 12pm Saturday
The Urchfont community shop and post office opened in February 2005 after four years work and serves the parish of Urchfont and surrounding villages. It is community-owned via a not-for-profit company with approximately 400 shareholders. The community lost its last shop in 1999 and the post office closed in 2003 on the retirement of the post mistress. Funding for the project came from a number of sources, both public and private. The building was originally a coach house and, latterly, a storage building for the Lamb Inn pub. Conversion and construction was carried out by local firms ensuring that money remained in the local economy.
The building is of special interest being listed and within a conservation area. A key requirement in conversion was sustainability. The building was converted with this in mind, achieving a high level of thermal efficiency and being heated by a wood burner. The shop has recently won the Sustainable Building Award from Kennet District Council.
The shop and post office aim to provide a community service, providing a range of local support including village diaries, local information and a meeting place for local residents. Produce is sourced locally as far as possible and in the summer fruit and vegetables from local growers and allotments are quick sellers.
After one year of operation the business has proved to be self sustaining and should continue to be so in the future. The venture has created one new job of shop manager and safeguarded the position of a sub post person.
The shop is located in the centre of the village, adjoining to and sharing a car park with the Lamb Inn.
01380 848700
Lyndsay Cowen, shop manager
01380 848700
John Masterson, media relations
01380 848150