Pitton Community Store

The story so far

Pitton has been well served by its shop and post office for over 20 years. The current owner plans to close the shop in 2026 and retire in her home, which makes up the majority of the property. Purchasing or leasing the existing shop is not an option so there is a high risk that Pitton will lose its village shop and Post Office unless a new store is provided at another location. To address this, several Pitton residents set up a steering group to seek local views and explore options. After assessing all possible options it is clear that the only feasible way forward is to build a new community-owned shop adjoining the village hall.

Pitton residents supported by residents of the neighbouring villages have made it very clear that they do not want to lose the shop and Post Office. In a survey of residents (April 2022) 93% of the 167 respondents showed overwhelming support for keeping a shop and Post Office in Pitton. More than 60 people offered to volunteer or support the project in other ways. The results provided a clear mandate to progress plans to develop a new shop for the village.

In August 2022 Pitton Community Store Ltd (PCSL) was set up and registered as a Community Benefit Society with the Financial Conduct Authority with the aim of setting up and launching a new shop and Post Office from 2026. As a community benefit society any profits from the shop will be used for the benefit of the local community. The Rules of the Society are accessible here.

The Business Plan can be viewed here.