Save Our Post Office, Uppingham’s Community-Led Battle to Protect a Vital Service
Uppingham’s Post Office is currently facing a critical turning point. With the retirement of the current postmaster looming, the town faces the very real risk that this essential service could close permanently. In response, local residents have taken proactive steps to ensure that the Post Office remains at the heart of the community by forming a Community Benefit Society (CBS).
The loss of a local Post Office is more than just a convenience issue; it impacts the entire ecosystem of a market town. The CBS highlights several key reasons why saving the service is essential, It provides vital services for residents who lack easy online access. It supports local businesses and charities while keeping the High Street active and viable. By providing local services, it reduces the need for travel. It helps maintain Uppingham as a thriving destination.
The newly established society, officially named Uppingham Market Place Community Shop Limited, operates on a proven not-for-profit model used across the UK to safeguard local services.
Unlike a commercial business, this CBS is locally run and managed by a board of local volunteers and community members.
It operates on a "one member, one vote" basis, ensuring every member has an equal say regardless of their financial contribution. Any surplus generated is reinvested directly back into the community.
How You Can Help
The project is now in its fundraising phase. To make the bid viable and demonstrate strong local support, the society needs at least 250 members to join.
The Membership Offer:
Residents are invited to subscribe for £100 of community shares. While many choose to invest more to help reach the capital goals, the minimum required to become a member is £100.
Important Note on Shares: This is a community project aimed at protecting a service, not a commercial investment for profit. While shares are withdrawable after a minimum of three years (subject to the Society’s financial position), they are intended as long-term support for the project.
How to Join
If you want to help keep Uppingham’s Post Office open, you can start the process by emailing Geoff Thompson at geoffthompsonutc@gmail.com. Simply state, "I want to become a member" in your message.
Together, the residents of Uppingham can ensure that this vital service remains a fixture of the town for years to come.
