Community carries stock to saved village post office

By Gbam Godwin On Sep 5, 2025

Community carries stock to saved village post office.

After saving the post office from closure, dozens of people have turned out to assist with carrying supplies to a new community-run post office.

On Thursday morning, goods were moved 100 meters (328 feet) along Grassmere Parade in Felpham, West Sussex, using mobility scooters, trolleys, and wheelbarrows.

The village’s post office was saved thanks to two years of campaigning by the locals, who even enlisted the support of actor Bill Nighy.

At the end of July, the post office was turned over to the community, and over £70,000 was raised to help renovate its new location.

George Carden/BBC People queuing up the pavement with wheel barrows full of stock to take to the new post office

“I’m quite surprised this many people turned up in this weather, they were absolutely wonderful,” said Lizzie Mickery, who assists in running the Friends of Felpham Community Interest Company.

“We had folks with shopping trolleys and suitcases, as well as a mobility scooter with a caravan attached.

I can’t express how proud I am to be a member of the Felpham community; it was just amazing.

It’s been a while; we’ve experienced both good and bad news. The community has been there for us through thick and thin.

George Carden/BBC People standing outside the new shop which has empty shelves. A worker can be seen standing on a ladder working on part of the interior through a large glass shop front

The present employees will remain at the new location, which will feature a larger store and include postal and banking services.

John Ball, who attached a trailer to the rear of his mobility scooter, was one of the people who assisted with stock movement.

“To the new post office, we’re all heading loaded up with equipment. Mr Ball remarked, “I put the caravan on to take as much as I can.”

They were caught off surprise by the throng of people carrying goods to the new store, which officially opens on Saturday.

Lorna Cooper was waiting for her hair to be cut next door.

“We’re very moved with all the efforts people have made, it’s absolutely wonderful to see them taking part,” she continued.

The community’s accomplishments were deemed “fantastic” by the Post Office.

A spokeswoman declared, “This is a real reason for the village to celebrate.”