Have a say onshop’s future

The meeting will explore the potential for community ownership so it can be managed and run for the benefit of the community.

A similar model has worked well at Iden, near Rye, where the post office and shop has been community run for many years now.

The meeting takes place at Fairlight Village Hall on Saturday November 15 from 10am - noon.

There may be a funding opportunity available through the Power to Change scheme, a new initiative which plans to invest up to £150 million to support the development of sustainable community-led enterprises throughout England.

Suggestions of what services the shop could offer in the future include a parcel delivery point, internet cafe, a showcase for local art work, DIY materials and a scanning and photo-copying service.

Residents in the village are being encouraged to fill in forms prior to the meeting asking for details of what people currently purchase and what they would like to see offered.

It could be that residents could achieve cheaper products through bulk buying and a loyalty card scheme has been suggested.

You can view and fill in the survey online by going to www.economicchange.co.uk/our community-shop/.