Our Story
In June 2023 the community received news that the existing shop would close on the 30th July and the Post Office earlier on the 25th July. This closure marked the end of the last remaining shop in Perranwell after years of having one. Many in our village understood the loss of the shop would have a major impact on the community and its residents. It also represented a partial loss of the social fabric within Perranwell and surrounding villages.
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The process of looking at what options we had started with a public meeting held on 16th June hosted by Annie Hewitt, Peter Harding and Colin Bridges. Initial advice was sought from the Plunkett Foundation and their expertise has proved invaluable. As an organisation they have supported and encouraged cooperative ventures for over 100 years.
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The meeting was incredibly well attended and clearly indicated over whelming support for the creation of another shop. Following that first meeting, a Steering Committee was quickly convened to look at various options. It is to the credit of this group of people that after only three meetings a clear way forward was identified as part of a three-phase plan.
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Although it was realised how important it was to preserve a Post Office facility, we have been unable to do that. Following the termination of the contract between the previous shop owner and the Post Office, options to resurrect a facility were closed down including even the possibility of an outreach service.
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The steering committee then stood down and a management committee set about fundraising in earnest and delivering the three-phase plan.
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Our 3-Phase Plan
Phase 1
Under phase one a limited company was formed in the name of Perranwell Community Store Limited (not for profit). This was the quickest way of starting phase one as well as being a realistic financial option for fund raising required to setup a temporary shop.
A site office was purchased from Dainton’s in Devon and planning permission granted for a site at the top of the Village Hall car park. The unit arrived on the 27th September 2023 and local tradespeople donated their time to prepare the site and fitting out of the unit as a temporary shop. Planning and licensing issues meant we were delayed by about 6 weeks, so we were unable to meet out self-imposed opening date of late September 2023. However, opening in October 2023 has been achieved through the hard work of a few and the generosity of so many which resulted in £34, 000 being raised in a very short time; an amazing achievement by anyone’s standards.
Thanks also goes to the management team at Grampound Community Shop who have given their support and advice so freely.
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We would also like to express our gratitude and thanks to the Parish Council, Trustees of the Perranwell Centre, Councillor Peter Williams, Cornwall Council Planning Officers and the numerous skilled people who have supported this project, particularly in relation to planning.
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Once the store is fully operational, we will endeavour to engage and work with local school, clubs and organisations within the community and surrounding areas.
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Perranwell Community Store is passionate about local products, working with and supporting local suppliers. We welcome any businesses of this nature to get in touch.
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Future Plans
Phase Two- from January 2024
To continue engagement with the Plunkett Foundation to establish a Community Benefit Society or Community Interest Company. This community orientated entity will take over from the Limited Company which was set up for reasons of expediency in Phase One. Converting to a CBS or CIC will allow us to apply for a range of grants and evaluate the financial appetite within the community for raising significant funding towards the purchase of the old shop.
Phase Three- from July 2024
The existing shop may be purchased by a local consortium or an independent individual. If retail space is offered, on favourable commercial terms to the community, the temporary shop would relocate, and all the equipment transferred.
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We hope to set up a café as part of phase three; a facility which many have asked for and would be a valuable addition to the shop.