Dobcross community pull together to save much-loved village store and Post Office

The village where box office blockbusters Yanks and Brassed Off were filmed could be about to hit the headlines again as villagers have taken over ownership of the local store and Post Office as part of a community co-operative.

When the only store in Dobcross village in Saddleworth was threatened with closure the villagers got together to buy the lease, and this weekend will take over running the store and Post Office.

The support of local people has been integral to the business from the start.

Expressions of interest and financial pledges made following a community meeting led to enough money being raised to secure the future of the Woods Lane store and purchase of the lease.

From a village of approximately 800 homes, over £60,000 was raised to secure the future of the village store.

The aim of the not-for-profit venture is, wherever possible, to use local suppliers - so the fresh milk comes from cows grazed within a mile of the store, honey is from hives across the road and fresh pies, bread and cakes are from a nearby bakery.

A team of willing volunteers are ready to help with jobs in store, from serving behind the counter, shelf stacking and cash and carry runs, to cleaning and DIY.

“A tremendous amount of work behind the scenes has got us to this point and there is a lot more planned,” said Nathan Beckwith, chair of the Dobcross Village Society (DVS), who are running the venture on behalf of the village.

The management committee consists of local business owners, villagers of all ages, retired people with a wide variety of skills such as finance, legal, communications, HR, grants and company secretary roles.

Nathan added: "It may only be a little store in a little village, but we have big ideas,

“It’s really simple, there is strength in community, and we want local people to support us and keep a vibrant and viable store at the heart of Dobcross.

"It is a members co-operative in the truest form, backed by generous support from villagers, and owned and run by the members."

There has been a village store on the site since the mid 19th century.

If it had closed down the village would have been without a single remaining shop and a lifeline for those people unable to travel elsewhere would have been lost.

Some initial work has already been done to spruce up the front of the building and it is hoped a grant will be forthcoming to refurbish the interior and perhaps add a paved terrace outside later this summer.

It is anticipated that the improved frontage will be in keeping with the village, adding a new door, restoring the lovely old window and installing brand new signage to reflect the building’s history.

At the same time as embracing its heritage, the store is moving forward with a website and social media pages informing potential customers of new fresh-in produce.

The aim is to boost business and attract more shoppers with longer opening hours, a loyalty scheme, a delivery service and new ventures such as coffee mornings and a social community space.

“It is vital for any thriving village to have a Post Office, with many microbusinesses now operating from home postal services are an essential part of this economic shift," added Nathan.

“Moving forward it will be a big difference in how the store and Post Office will be run and behind the scenes there has been a seismic shift to embrace and enshrine co-operative principles, with the ultimate aim of reinvesting in our village life and providing a community space for villagers to pop in for a chat and coffee - a lovely part of anyone’s day.”

Check out the store's website at: www.dobcrossvillagestore.com.

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