Bisley villagers hit out after George Stores and Post Office

Proposals have this week emerged to transform the former Bisley’s George Stores and Post Office in the village’s High Street which closed in February into a single dwelling.

Villagers have hit out at the proposals, saying the store’s closure has had a ‘detrimental and devastating’ impact to the area.

But the applicant says that this is the best opportunity to ‘avoid the building ”falling into disrepair.’

Scores of nearby residents have objected to the proposals at the site – the village’s only permanent shop and post office.

One said: “The loss of George Stores has been to the great detriment of the village.

“I would prefer to see it remain as a shop if possible.

“If permission is to be granted for the property to be converted into a residential dwelling I would ask that the council make any such permission contingent on the property being sold only as a home to be lived in by permanent residents – in other words, it should not be possible to purchase it either as a second home or a holiday let.

“Villages like Bisley need people living in them.

Another said: “Bisley is a large, well populated village of all ages.

“The closure of the shop has been devastating to many, old and young.”

Another opponent said: “The George Stores has been the village shop in Bisley for many years and is a great asset to the village.

“It should have a future as part of the Bisley community.”

Another added: “This is the only property in the centre of the village that is suitable for a shop and therefore this use should be protected for the good of the village.”

A statement, on behalf of the applicant, said: “The shop was utilised as the village post office and store for many years until February when it closed due to insufficient trade.

“Despite having a protected rural Post Office status, the decision was made by Royal Mail to close the branch.

“Without this income the then tenant decided that the shop and tea room alone were not viable.

” In line with the surrounding buildings, returning this property to a residential use provides the best opportunity to avoid the building falling into disrepair.”