Community carries stock to saved village post office

Dozens of people have come out to help carry stock to a new community-run post office after saving it from closure.

Mobility scooters, trolleys and wheelbarrows were used to transport items 100m (328ft) along Grassmere Parade in Felpham, West Sussex, on Thursday morning.

Locals campaigned for two years and even got actor Bill Nighy involved to help save the village's post office.

The post office was taken into community ownership at the end of July and more than £70,000 was raised to help refurbish its new site.

Lizzie Mickery, who helps run Friends of Felpham Community Interest Company, said: "I'm quite surprised this many people turned up in this weather, they were absolutely wonderful.

"We had a mobility scooter with a trailer attached, we had people with suitcases and shopping trolleys.

"It was just wonderful, I can't tell you how proud I am to be part of the community in Felpham.

"It's been a long time, we've had setbacks and some positive news. The community has stuck with us all the way."

The new site will have a bigger shop, it will offer banking and postal services, and the current staff will stay.

Among those who helped move stock was John Ball, who hitched a trailer to the back of his mobility scooter.

"We're all going loaded up with the gear to the new post office. I put the trailer on to take as much as I can," said Mr Ball.

Passersby looked surprised by the line of people carrying stock to the new shop, which officially opens on Saturday.

Lorna Cooper was waiting to get her hair cut next door.

"We're very moved with all the efforts people have made, it's absolutely wonderful to see them taking part," she said.

The Post Office said what the community had achieved was "fantastic".

"This is a real reason for the village to celebrate," said a spokesperson.

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