A group of volunteers looking to put the heart back into their village are asking for residents’ opinions on a brand new Community Shop and Café in Kilmersdon, in a bid to prove to the Parish Council that such a resource is needed and wanted.

An Open Day is due to be held on Saturday, 22nd April at Coles Garden meeting rooms from 12 noon – 4 p.m., with the opportunity to look at the plans in closer detail. Also present will be representatives from both Mells and Freshford’s Community Shops to answer any questions. In the meantime, a brochure about the plans and a voting slip are due to be delivered to every household in the village from the week commencing 17th April for all residents aged sixteen and over, with papers collected the following week, commencing 24th April.

Whilst original plans were received favourably by most and planning permission was granted by Mendip District Council last year, the land that the village shop committee wishes to use is managed by Kilmersdon Parish Council, who remain unconvinced that the plan is a good one.

The Parish Council has made a statement in its most recent newsletter claiming that should a shop be built, the status of Kilmersdon as a secondary village could be at risk, opening it up to more development in future. It is concerned about the impact of the operation on the village hall, which would run opposite the site, and would also mean the relocation of a silver birch tree and bench, which were put in place to commemorate VE and VJ day. Mendip District Council says that it is not proposing to change the status of the village, simply on the basis of a change in local services, but cannot guarantee that it will not affect policy or planning decisions in the future.

The main objection, however, is one of parking – as the plan would rely on using the village hall car park which, when full, spills out on to the road and residential streets. The shop committee argue that both buildings can work in harmony alongside one another, with the shop closing at 6 p.m. and hall activities usually beginning from around 7 p.m., meaning no extra car parking having to be built. They also state that they would be willing to work alongside the village hall at weekends or when the hall was in use, to help marshal cars. Other concerns of the Parish Council include extra litter and crime.

But the village shop committee argue that the plans will provide a valuable resource for the community, combating loneliness and isolation and giving villagers access to a thriving hub, where people can meet for tea and coffee and to pick up essential ‘top-up’ goods, without having to get in their cars and drive to the nearest town. They hope it will revive the village, that they fear is becoming more and more isolated, and say there is no reason why the shop and village hall could not complement one another.

A spokesperson for the Community Shop committee said: “We are not interested in pushing through the plans; we want to listen to residents and work with other groups to make the proposal the best that it can be. We want residents to come along and find out all they need before they make their decision and believe that open discussion is vital to help resolve any issue or concern.

“This is too important to leave to hearsay and everyone stands to benefit from open discussions between the various groups with an interest in the life of the village.

“We have heard of young mums without access to a car during the day and without good transport links – and others having to travel to Radstock just for a stamp.

“This could help encourage locals to walk or cycle, and to really help combat social isolation and pointless car journeys for a village that needs services. It could really kick-start village life again.”

The plans mean that should it be built, the shop would be set up under the terms of ‘Community Benefit’, being free to offer the community fair prices and to focus on what villagers want.

Services could include locally produced goods and produce, a wide range of dry and fresh staple goods, newspapers, stamps and stationery, a delivery and collection service for postal and courier items, a public disabled WC, free internet access and the additional café; which would act as a social meeting place with tea, coffee, cakes, light lunches, salads and soups.

Most community shops have chosen this model to provide two streams of revenue; a model that has worked in other villages locally.

Profits would also be put back into covering running costs and supporting other local projects within the village. Although it would need a Manager and part-time Deputy Shop Manager, it would have a team of volunteers on a roster,

providing roles for people of all ages, including teens looking for work experience or applying for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

The community shop idea has also been endorsed by the Plunkett Foundation, which supports over 300 community shops around the UK and has scrutinised the local business plan. Grants would need to be accessed, alongside fundraising and gift aid donations. Readers may also remember previous fundraising events, with help from local explorer, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, speaking at the village hall to help raise money last year. More will need to be done to make this project come to fruition, but Kilmersdon is no stranger to a challenge, having had to raise a huge amount of money to restore the 600-year-old bell tower and find £50,000 for the village park.

The Community Shop and Café plans have evolved since the original comments were made and in conjunction with Mendip Council’s Conservation Officer, have been changed to reflect concerns.

Organisers are keen to see as many people as possible at the Open Day to put forward their vision – and then let the village decide.