Plans unveiled for Slindon community hub

Villagers are combining to create a community hub in Slindon.

Its residents intend to open a shop, a cafe and a community centre to bring life to a disused building.

The Slindon Life group has applied for planning permission to set up the project in the former farrier's workshop in Reynolds Lane.

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Michael Imms, for Slindon Life, said in a statement with the planning application: "Over the past five years the village shop, the post office and one pub have closed.

"As a direct result, the sustainability of the community has declined. The desire for a village shop is a long-standing community wish.

"The aim is to restore and extend The Forge and create a new focal point and 'village hub' for residents and visitors, comprising three complementary elements."

A community shop is expected to offer everyday essentials, a range of fresh products and related services such as prescription drop-offs. A cafe will complement that by offering meals and wi-fi internet access.

"The cafe is a crucial component of the plan.

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"Put simply, the footfall and profit created by the cafe makes the project commercially viable and the social benefit provides a powerful non-finance return," said Mr Imms.

An information centre will also provide a reason for visiting the building. Its location next to the Coronation Hall allows for the potential for more community services and activity.

The new venture would be run as a not-for-profit venture with the building's freehold staying with the National Trust. Residents will be able to buy shares.

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