Ashburton Post Office is not new to doing things differently. For example it is the only Post Office in the UK which gives 2p for each cash withdrawal from its hole in the wall back to good causes in the community – donating more than £10,000 since 2015.
Sub-postmasters Stuart and Jackie Rogers are continuing with their mission to improve how the branch can serve the community with ambitious plans to extend the town library – located at the back of the branch. They hope to have planning approval from Dartmoor National Park shortly. Local MP Mel Stride recently sat down with Stuart to discuss potential avenues to secure funding for the project, as well as how the extension will help the branch better serve local residents and inspire other communities.
Stuart explained:
“Mel has been a great help to us over many years, helping with the move of the town library into the branch and securing meetings with ministers where we have been able to raise issues vital to local branches. It was very useful to be able to talk through our extension plans and to have his support when it comes to pursuing funding. I believe this fits very much into the Government’s levelling up philosophy, ensuring more rural parts of the country are not overlooked.”
Mr Stride said:
“The extension of the library is a very exciting project with many community benefits. This includes significantly increasing the number of computers or devices available free for public use. This will be a game-changer for local families without internet access, particularly those on lower incomes. Plans for the branch to become a Credit Union would also make a big difference to the town.”
Plans for the extension were generously drawn up by local architects Van Ellen and Sheryn Ltd free of charge.
