Village shop and Post Office saved with levelling up funds
Fontmell Magna village shop's been awarded almost £205,000
A Dorset community will benefit from almost £205,000 in funding to support the community takeover of local and much-loved assets as part of the government’s mission to level up across the country.
This funding, which will be delivered through the government’s Community Ownership Fund (COF), will support Fontmell Magna village shop and Post Office to prevent the property being sold for redevelopment and ensure it continues to exist for the benefit of the community.
The loss of the village shop and its services would be devastating to the fabric of the community, with elderly residents being particularly hard hit.
The shop provides vital services including some postal and banking facilities, and the café serves as a focal point for community life, a place where people can meet and socialise.
The Fontmell Magna village shop is one of ten projects across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland which will benefit from government funding to support much-loved community assets as part of the government’s ambitious plan to level up the whole of the UK.
Minister for Levelling Up, Neil O’Brien said:
“We should not take for granted the important role that local businesses like Fontmell Magna village shop play in community life.
“I am determined to see these special places that are so important to local families continue to thrive.
“That’s why I am thrilled to confirm an over £200,000 investment to help keep Fontmell Magna going with the help of the community it serves.”