NOW OPEN!
East Boldre Community Stores (EBCS) was set up as a community benefit society (a non-profit, social enterprise) to save our village shop and Post Office by establishing it as a community run business in community owned premises. A convenience for many for some, especially those without transport, the shop and Post Office are a lifeline for groceries, postal services, banking and bill payment.
The previous shop had been at risk of closure since 2017. Over the years, the shop team worked on several options for shop premises but without success due to external factors.
When East Boldre’s now-redundant Baptist chapel came to the market in August 2022 it represented a last and one-off opportunity for shop and Post Office premises. EBCS’s aim is to acquire the chapel, keeping this locally listed, heritage building in community use. Locals sought to create a viable, sustainable business there that will safeguard these vital village amenities.
In Spring 2023, members of the community succeeded in raising funds to acquire the building, fix the damp problems and make alterations, fit out and equip it so its suitable for the shop and Post Office. The parish council were pleased to unanimously support their planning application for these changesand the NPA approved planning proposals
2023 was a busy year for the EBCS team, but the goal was fulfilled with the planned opening of Chapel Stores, And the wonderful news is that the stores opened their doors to the public in a ceremony on the 26th February at 10am. To find out more about the story, produce, opening hours and exhibitions, visit https://www.eastboldrecommunitystores.com/
