THE people of South Somerset are being called on to save a valuable village shop, post office and community hub.

Last year, Winsham community shop and post office recorded a loss and has been forced to accept the current premises, in Church Street, are not sustainable or fit for purpose.

Earlier this year The Bell pub, also situated on the B3162 Church Street, went up for sale. The shop’s committee leapt into action and started an investment scheme, which saw them raise around £182,000 in pledges.

The Bell was bought by new owners and remains open as a pub, saving that asset from closing in the village, but leaving the village shop still desperately in need of a new home.

Now, a house which used to be The George pub has become available for the committee to purchase.

Paula Bramley-Ball, a member of the community shop committee, said: “It used to be a very nice pub and it closed in the 1970s.

“The guy who owned it has been renting it out, but his tenants have just moved out so we approached him and he decided it would be a good time for him to sell the property.

“When we were looking at The Bell, we managed to raise £182,000 in pledges, but with this one will need £300,000 in pledges.”

The new premises in The George will allow the committee to run a community shop and post office, as well as generating additional income by branching out into a small café in one of the rooms, and by renting out the first floor as a flat.

An open day at the former pub was held on Saturday to allow residents to walk around and see the committee’s plans for The George.

John Sullivan, shop committee chairman, said: “We have been looking at options to ensure the future of our shop as our current financial model and premises are not working.

“We risk losing this valuable asset if we do not take action. We believe we have the answer and need your support to make it happen.

“We have the fantastic opportunity to buy The George, just opposite, to relocate our shop and provide a cafe to enhance our village, but we must act fast.”

The committee are offering shares in the shop, and then over time investors will start to see their money paid back.

The group is also applying for social investment relief tax to help encourage people to support their purchase bid for the Grade II listed building.

If The George scheme is eligible, which Mrs Bramley-Ball is confident it will be, investors will be able to deduct 30 per cent of the cost of their investment from their income tax liability.

This will apply for either the tax year in which the investment is made or the previous tax year. The investment must be held for a minimum period of three years for the relief to be retained.

The committee will also be applying to the parish council to help fund one off costs, and has between £15,000 and £20,000 in existing shop funds available to use.

To invest in the community shop and receive tax relief benefits and some pay back, residents must pay at least £500. The committee needs pledges to be made before July 15 so they can see if the new plan is possible.

Smaller donations are also being accepted.

For more information, contact winshamshopkitchen@gmx.co.uk.