The shop and post office in Marshwood has closed after proprietor John Walther suffered a fall.
On her blog, local councillor Jacqui Sewell said: “In 1975 when I moved into Marshwood, John was running the garage and shop, and he has worked tirelessly there ever since.
“Even in the bad weather, Marshwood Shop would always be open. John has served this community for over 40 years, delivering newspapers, milk, gas, and groceries, including the prescription collection service.
“As to the future, part of ongoing work of the Upper Marshwood Vale Neighbourhood Plan and with the Community Land Trust are looking to identify potential sites and funding which may result in a community project that could establish a community shop and PO for Marshwood (some time ago a group of local residents did explore the possibility of starting a community shop for when Mr Walther retired but it wasn’t sufficiently supported).
“But now the shop has closed, action needs to be started to find out whether there is enough support to look seriously at getting a community shop up and running – this is likely to take some time, firstly there needs to be a public meeting for residents to have their say and hopefully enough people will put themselves forward to help.
“There are already two successful community shops in Broadwindsor and Thorncombe and I’m sure Marshwood will be able to create and run a successful community shop as well.
“Please email me at CllrJ.sewell@westdorset-dc.gov.uk if you can help.”
