A village store which closed six months ago is set to reopen – after a competitive battle by 11 potential buyers.
And it looks as though the shop in Hurst on the busy A321 between Wokingham and Twyford may have its Post Office back as well.
A Post Office spokesperson said on Tuesday: “It is good news for the people of Hurst that this shop is reopening.
“We can confirm that we are willing to consider reopening a branch at this location. We are happy to discuss the matter further with the new owner.”
Hurst residents are delighted to hear their shop will be back. At one time there was a guide price of £500,000 for it.
David Auger of estate agents Martin & Pole said: “We had 11 interested parties in it, a good level of interest. It was a very competitive situation in the end.
“It’s good to know for communities such as Hurst that there is demand from people wanting to run a village shop.” He declined to name the buyer.
Martin & Pole’s website indicates an online auction had been planned for July 3, unless the premises were sold beforehand.
Colin and Julie Paxton, who owned the shop and flat above it said: “The family who have purchased are a very pleasant but business-like limited company of shopkeepers who have several other convenience stores in the south of England.
“Having seen one or two of their other stores, they should do a good service for the people of Hurst.” They hoped residents would support the new owners.
New Hurst Village Society’s chairman Ivor Fiennes said: “The shop’s reopening is excellent news for the village. We must all of us do what we can to support the new owners.”
Hurst Parish Council chair Penny Curry said: “From a parish council perspective it’s good to hear there are plans afoot to open the store.”
Many residents are pleased. One said: “It’s such good news. We’re missing our daily paper and all the handy things we got from the shop. I feared it would go for accommodation.”
Several people have said they hope the Post Office, which was in the shop premises for many years, would reopen as well.
After the PO closed Wokingham MP Clive Jones wrote to the Post Office saying the closure was a “crushing blow for the community” forcing residents to travel to Wokingham or Twyford for essential services.
Although both were a short drive away they weren’t easily accessible for people who relied on public transport.
