Millwey’s community champion set to retire

Terry Fisher to leave estate’s Spar shop after saving post office.

AN AXMINSTER businessman, who successfully fought to save Millwey Rise Post Office, has announced he is retiring.

Terry Fisher, who turns 65 on September 4, managed to prevent the community facility from closing two years ago, with the backing of the local community.

Millwey Rise Spar and Post Office became one of the ‘new style’ post offices, for essentials – but was taken off a Devon-wide hit list.

The shop was an empty shell when the sub-postmaster took over 16 years-ago, but now he feels it is time for someone new to ‘take the helm’.

He said: “I’m going to really miss it, but it’s time to stand down and let someone else take the reins and make it even better.

“Axminster is going to grow and it needs someone at the helm to drive it forward.”

He said he will live in Ilminster, but will miss the shop staff and residents in Axminster.

The post office had been listed for closure with 2,500 others across the country.

But Mr Fisher had one of the best campaigns in Devon, according to a Post Office Limited worker – with over a thousand residents calling for the facility to stay open.

He said the battle back in 2008 was worthwhile.

He said: “I’m pleased with what I’m leaving behind. It was a hard fight, but it showed them we wanted it, with the backing of everyone in the area.

“Some people come from miles to use this post office. I’m proud of what we achieved.

“It’s a legacy I’m going to pass on to the new people and I’m sure they’re going to carry it on.”