Hurst Parish Council’s chairman is leading the fight to keep a shop and Post Office open in the village.
Shocked customers heard the news on Tuesday that the Central Convenience stores will be closing soon. The shop has been part of the community for over 100 years.
Councillor Wayne Smith, the council chairman, said on Tuesday: “Today’s news is shocking. I’m making inquiries about what can be done. We have to do our best to keep a shop and Post Office in Hurst.
“They are part of the community. They were fantastic during lockdown making sure people had food to buy.”
He said he was involved in discussions to keep the store in 2018 when it was under threat. The business succeeded in keeping going.
Shop manager Jayne Overington said the shop’s 10 staff were gathered together to be told the news of their redundancies at a meeting on Tuesday morning.
The business which includes fruit, vegetables, meat, alcoholic and soft drinks, bread and newspapers is part of the Central Convenience Stores group. Central told the staff the shop would close on April 11.
Jayne, the manager for 12 years, said on Tuesday: “We heard this morning. It’s a very sad day. It’s a shame for the elderly people who don’t drive. They won’t be able to buy bread, milk and other things. The shop is a lifeline for them.
“I was told it could have been a different story if the 200 houses proposed for Lodge Road in Hurst had gone ahead.
“Now the cost of living and prices have gone up. I just wish the locals could have supported us a bit more. Buying a newspaper for 90p a day isn’t enough.
“I feel sorry for my staff. The shop has been central to be village. We have collected £1428 for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice. We have a pet food collection for people struggling to feed their pets.”
During the pandemic the shop delivered groceries to villagers who were isolating at home.
“The Post Office has to be given 12 months’ notice so it could technically stay open,” added Jayne.
She understood the couple renting the flat above the store would be able to stay there.
Residents have said how sad they are about the closure and how much they would miss the staff. One suggested the business could join with a local pub. Others suggested villagers could do something to help keep a shop in the village.
Jayne said: “I don’t think there is anything anyone can do.” She has thanked the business’s customers for their past business.
Daisy Joel, 26, of Twyford, working in the Post Office and also the shop said: “It’s come as a really big shock. I will have to find somewhere else. I really enjoy working here.
“I used to work at The Green Man pub. Then I decided to come to the Post Office. I like learning new things. I think I would have been here a long time. Jayne is a really good manager.
“The best I have ever had.
“Everyone who comes in here is lovely. They will have to walk or drive all the way to Twyford.”
She is one of two people who share the Post Office opening hours.
