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Broughton-in-Furness saw its Post Office and shop close in June when the postmaster decided to retire.
This left the town looking for a solution and prompted members of the local community to start their own initiative.
Plans are in place to set up a brand-new community-run post office, shop and tourist information service.
Having successfully headed up a campaign to keep Broughton Post Office open ten years ago, Annette Carmichael is a driving force behind the new initiative.
“I found out mid-April that the Post Office would be closing due to the postmaster’s retirement, and I knew it would really badly affect local people, farmers and businesses,” she said.
“The Post Office is essential for Broughton and the local area. Other than the Post Office services, it’s where we get cash, as the village has no ATM, and it also acts as a social place where people can chat.”
The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on Broughton Square has been identified as suitable premises for the new Post Office and shop.
Broughton Community Services CIC was registered, and plans are in place for the Post Office to open in October 2025.
A fundraising page has been set up to help bring this vision to life, you can donate here.
Annette said: “The community have been fantastic at rallying round to provide help and donations, the fundraising page has only been open a week!
“It’s been a lot of work but we’re really lucky to have found people who share enthusiasm for it. It couldn’t be done without everyone who has pitched in.”
The not-for-profit community group are looking to raise around £3000, which will go towards preliminary running costs and stock.
Once established, profits from retail sales should allow the branch to be self-sufficient.
Annette said Post Office Limited have been really supportive of the initiative.
“Broughton doesn’t have a Post Box at the moment, so we are also campaigning for Royal Mail to fit a new one on the Square, where it will be most accessible,” she said.
