A shop and post office which have been running since the mid-19th century has been saved from closure thanks to a community effort from Saddleworth villagers.

When the only store on Woods Lane in Dobcross Village was threatened with closure, residents pulled together to buy the lease.

A community meeting saw villagers pool their resources together and raise enough money to rescue the shop and secure its future.

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Considered a 'lifeline' for the village, the store has been on the site since the mid-19th century and its closure would have meant residents would have lost its last remaining shop.

Now, those who pledged the cash officially own the store while shareholders will receive regular updates on its progress and everyone involved in the rescue mission have a say in how it's run.

Meanwhile, the management committee consists of business owners, villagers of all ages and retired people with a range of skills such as finance, legal, communications, HR, grants and company secretary roles.

The Oldham Times: Nathan Beckwith said there's been a lot of work behind the scenes to get the shop up and runningNathan Beckwith said there's been a lot of work behind the scenes to get the shop up and running (Image: Dobcross Village Store)

The aim of the not-for-profit venture is, wherever possible, to use local suppliers so the fresh milk comes from cows grazed within a mile of the store, honey comes from hives across the road and fresh pies, bread and cakes are supplied from a nearby bakery.

As of Saturday (April 6), volunteers and members of the Dobcross Village Society officially opened the shop and took over the running of the premises, from serving behind the counter and shelf stacking to cash and carry runs, cleaning and DIY.

Some initial work has already been done to spruce up the front of the building and it is hoped a grant will refurbish the interior and perhaps add a paved terrace outside later in the summer.

It is anticipated that the improved frontage will be in keeping with the village, adding a new door, restoring the lovely old window and installing new signage to reflect the building’s history. 

At the same time as embracing its heritage, the store is moving forward with a website and social media pages informing potential customers of new fresh-in produce.

The aim is to boost business and attract more shoppers with longer opening hours, a loyalty scheme, a delivery service and new ventures such as coffee mornings and a social community space.

Nathan Beckwith, chair of Dobcross Village Society, said: "A tremendous amount of work behind the scenes has got us to this point and there is a lot more planned. 

"It may only be a little store in a little village, but we have big ideas.

“It’s really simple, there is strength in community, and we want local people to support us and keep a vibrant and viable store at the heart of Dobcross.

"It is a member's co-operative in the truest form, backed by generous support from villagers, and owned and run by the members,”

Nathan added: "It is vital for any thriving village to have a Post Office, with many microbusinesses now operating from home postal services are an essential part of this economic shift.

“Moving forward it will be a big difference in how the store and Post Office will be run and behind the scenes there has been a seismic shift to embrace and enshrine co-operative principles, with the ultimate aim of reinvesting in our village life and providing a community space for villagers to pop in for a chat and coffee – a lovely part of anyone’s day,”

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.