Chardstock’s village shop and post office is to reopen this week after the community rallied around to take it over.

The shop was in danger of closing after previous owners announced their retirement and couldn’t find a commercial buyer for the business. But in September 2021 local residents formed a committee to raise the necessary funds to buy the shop premises and run it as a not-for-profit community-owned shop and post office.

With overwhelming support among local residents, they succeeded in raising £250,000 in just a few months, with 170 residents becoming shareholders in the venture. They were supported by a grant of £1,600 from East Devon District Council’s Community Buildings Fund.

The shop will officially reopen on Wednesday, February 15, with postmistress Emily Baskett as the only paid employee; she had previously worked in the shop for several years. All other staff will be volunteers.

Once the shop is open again, there are plans to expand it and add a small café at the back.