Dryslwyn Post Office a success story
A Carmarthenshire Post Office is going from strength to strength after a mini army of volunteers joined forces to save it from closure.
In 2009, Dryslwyn store was under threat of being lost to its community until residents rallied around to keep it going.
Four years on, the not-for-profit store - which also serves as an internet café, tearoom, grocery store and off licence - is thriving.
The venture, supported Carmarthenshire County Council, is part of the Carmarthenshire Community Challenge.
The scheme urges communities to develop their own local projects to promote sustainability and help reduce their impact on the planet.
The idea is that everyone can help make a difference to the area they live in, and that simple lifestyle changes can make a big impact.
Executive Board Member for Environment, Cllr Jim Jones, said: “The store is a real community resource providing local people with a range of amenities and reducing rural isolation, meaning they don’t need to travel to access vital services. The shop is also helping the environment by cutting carbon emissions through the saving of food miles.”
The community shop is managed by 26 volunteers. Another 13 perform a range of services from cleaning the premises regularly, ordering and receiving goods into stock, paying bills to managing paperwork and administration. It has more than 300 members.
Volunteer Tony Graf said: “Four years ago, PO Ltd tried to close Dryslwyn Post Office and shop, but everyone rallied round to keep it going on a voluntary basis. That meant that the shop and Post Office could stay and grow into the vibrant hub of the community it is today.”
The team is always looking for more support - if you can lend a hand call 01558 668221 or emailsecretary@drylswyn.org.uk To sign up to the council’s Community Challenge visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/communitychallenge or call 01267 224902.
In 2009, Dryslwyn store was under threat of being lost to its community until residents rallied around to keep it going.
Four years on, the not-for-profit store - which also serves as an internet café, tearoom, grocery store and off licence - is thriving.
The venture, supported Carmarthenshire County Council, is part of the Carmarthenshire Community Challenge.
The scheme urges communities to develop their own local projects to promote sustainability and help reduce their impact on the planet.
The idea is that everyone can help make a difference to the area they live in, and that simple lifestyle changes can make a big impact.
Executive Board Member for Environment, Cllr Jim Jones, said: “The store is a real community resource providing local people with a range of amenities and reducing rural isolation, meaning they don’t need to travel to access vital services. The shop is also helping the environment by cutting carbon emissions through the saving of food miles.”
The community shop is managed by 26 volunteers. Another 13 perform a range of services from cleaning the premises regularly, ordering and receiving goods into stock, paying bills to managing paperwork and administration. It has more than 300 members.
Volunteer Tony Graf said: “Four years ago, PO Ltd tried to close Dryslwyn Post Office and shop, but everyone rallied round to keep it going on a voluntary basis. That meant that the shop and Post Office could stay and grow into the vibrant hub of the community it is today.”
The team is always looking for more support - if you can lend a hand call 01558 668221 or emailsecretary@drylswyn.org.uk To sign up to the council’s Community Challenge visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/communitychallenge or call 01267 224902.
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