£40k raised to save shop in just 2 weeks
9:00am Sunday 1st January 2012 in News
A COMMUNITY project aiming to take over a village shop, restaurant and allotment has received £40,000 in pledges.
East Mersea residents have been invited to become stakeholders of the threatened businesses in East Road.
The 20-acre site, which houses a restaurant, post office, shop and allotment, has been put up for sale for £495,000 by owners Land Management.
Peter Mann, project chairman, said six people had invested in the scheme two weeks since the plight was revealed.
One of those is believed to have made a £20,000 pledge – the maximum share a stakeholder can have.
There have also been letters of interest from parties outside Mersea.
Mr Mann said: “We have £40,000 and that is without even canvassing.
“We need to inform all the people on the island, and we are planning to leaflet houses in January.
“It is an opportunity open to people in West Mersea and non-islanders as well.
“We are interested in hearing from everyone, and they need to get in on the ground floor as soon as they can.”
A public meeting to discuss the conditions of the business leases and finer details will be held in January. It is hoped the community-run land can be used to grow vegetables.
There are plans to build a fishing lake to attract visitors.
Mr Mann added: “It would give people yet another reason to come to the island, create employment and be great for wildlife.
“It is early days, but we are looking at the whole picture.”
The scheme has been backed by community organisations Village SOS and the Plunkett Foundation.
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to register interest with the co-operative committee.
For more information call 01206 383224 or e-mail jandpmann@ btinternet.com