After a successful crowdfunding campaign, an island community has managed to save its only shop and post office from closure. The store had previously been run by a schoolteacher but was threatened with closure after their return to the classroom. The Lismore Community Trust (LCT) was able to raise over £80,000 from donations in order to take over the reins. The initiative attracted over 230 backers and received contributions from holiday home owners, regular visitors and neighbours.
The LCT set out to raise £70,000 in order to purchase initial stock and carry out necessary refurbishments. However, the final total rose to over £82,000 thanks to the support of the community. LCT chairman Andy Hough emphasized the importance of the store’s survival for the maintenance of the island’s ability to provide for its 160 permanent residents, with the post office set for a Christmas reopening.
Mr Hough also stated the Trust planned to create a central hub for the island, where nearly half the population turned out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store will employ full-time workers but will be supported on the business side by volunteers. The Trust hopes the store will become a draw for the local community, including the installation of WiFi provision. Although the focus is on providing a service, keeping the store profitable is also important in its maintenance.
Without this buyout initiative, the shop’s closure would have been devastating for residents. The closure would have added to the feeling of isolation on the island and could have been the beginning of depopulation. However, the generosity and kindness shown by local residents and others has saved this central part of the community
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