We’re excited to embark on the journey of creating a vibrant community-run shop, Post Office, cafe and information hub, which will serve the residents of Pitton, Farley, Firsdown, and East Grimstead by offering a delightful range of services, including fresh groceries, local produce, and refreshments, as well as convenient postal and parcel services and newspaper delivery. We look forward to making this vision a reality in September 2026 , coinciding with the closure of the current shop in Pitton.
Above is an artists’ impression of the proposed shop. Full details of the external and internal design are available here in the full planning document
Latest News!
Now recruiting our Shop Manager ….
Pitton Community Shop is due to open at the end of September this year and we are beginning the recruitment process for an experienced Shop Manager. We would particularly welcome applications from local people who have the relevant skills and experience. We hope to recruit the manager in advance of the shop opening.
If you are interested, the advert, role description and key tasks are now included below:
We are delighted to report that we achieved all the milestones required to receive the full grant of £97,000 from Wiltshire Council, as part of the UK Shared Prosperity fund. This included completion of the first phase of the build and purchase of the majority of fixtures, fittings and equipment required for the shop fit-out.
Shop build
Work has been progressing well on the shop build. The roof is on, and the windows are installed. The roof, fascia and cedar boarding are being completed, After initial delays due to the weather we have caught up to the plan. The expectation is that the building work will be complete, and the keys handed over in late June, and soon after this the work to fit out the shop and install the sales and Post Office systems will begin. We still aim to open the shop at the end of September.
Post Office
Discussions have been progressing with the Post Office and we are beginning what they call the onboarding process. Brian Cudby is our nominated Postmaster and although there are a huge number of hoops to jump through, lots of paperwork and a business case to complete it is moving forward well. We are very grateful for Rachel Morrison’s help in facilitating the handover.
Recruitment
We have developed the job description for the Shop Manager and aim to advertise the position at the end of April with interviews in early July. Thank-you to Chris Williams for reviewing our materials and recruitment plans. We are hoping to attract someone with lots of retail experience. If all goes well the manager will be in post 8 weeks before the shop opens and can focus on ordering and organising stock, getting to know our volunteers and preparing for the launch.
Volunteering
Several people have asked about how volunteering will be organised, so we are planning two information sessions (on 11th and 15th July). These will give lots of information on how the shop will operate and provide an opportunity for discussion, suggestions and questions. Everyone is welcome to attend and we will send out more details in May.
Information for Members
If you are a member of the Pitton Community Shop Community Benefit Society you will receive an email invite to the Annual General Meeting. This is planned for 20th May.
The members update will include the usual financials and project plan along with more detail on the shop interior and planned events.
Several members have asked about tax relief for community share purchases. HMRC issue a Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) template to us after 70% of the funds have been spent. We then issue an individual form for each share purchaser for you to complete to claim tax relief. We are hoping to receive the form in the next couple of weeks and
Come to our information sessionson 11th and 15th July. and find out about how the shop will operate and discuss opportunities to join the team . More details will be circulated in May.
The Second Community Share Offer Share Scheme has closed. Further opportunities to purchase shares might be offered in due course. The Second Share Prospectus, including an application form, can be viewed here .
Thanks to Pitton residents for sharing their views on the village and the need for a shop, and to SJ Wareham for editing the video. You can view the video by double clicking below.
Pitton Community Store 