THE determination of Frensham villagers to retain a shop and post office against the odds has reached new heights, with its latest premises being literally dropped in place. The 40ft by 12ft portable building was transported down from Liverpool overnight, making the final leg via the A3 to Hindhead crossroads and down the A287 during the morning rush hour. Having arrived, it took just 15 minutes to hoist into place in the car park of Hollowdene Recreation Ground. In a few weeks, the rota of volunteers who keep the venture afloat will be tranferring their services to the fully fitted-out premises. There is also an opening for a new paid manager to put his or her own stamp on the enterprise. "At present, the volunteers, our three Post Office employees and our landlord, together with members of the committee, are putting in additional hours and effort while we seek the right person to take on the full time role," said a spokesman for the shop committee. The intention is that the portable building will tide the community over while funding is secured for Frensham Parish Council's community building, incorporating purpose-built shop premises. There now needs to be a period of about six weeks for shop fitting – both for the shop (counters, shelves etc), and for the Post Office, for which a grant has been received. The last proprietor-owned shop in Frensham closed in December 1995 and residents launched the community-run Frensham Village Shop and Post Office in Shortfield Common Road on January 1, 1996. An essential part of the local support came from the current landlords, but that property is now for sale, and Frensham Village Shop, now a Community Interest Company (one of the first in Surrey) has promised to give vacant possession asap. The portable building which was the only solution found has not been without controversy, however, and Frensham resident Pete Shipway this week criticised both Frensham Parish Council and the planners for allowing it. "The new temporary village shop dominates and spoils the surrounding area. The parish council have a lot to answer for. This is planning gone made. Surely an alternative could be found to a painted steel container?" said Mr Shipway. The shop committee spokesman said the committee wishes to decorate the building in the most sensitive way to make it more attractive, and is preparing ideas for discussion with other users of the recreation ground. "The management committee is determined to keep our shop open and to make the relocation as painless as possible for our customers. "We are not only an employer (when fully staffed, three part-time Post Office workers and a full time shop manager), but also a valuable facility for approx 30 workers in local businesses, and elderly residents who would otherwise lose their convenience store. "Approximately 15 small companies, 25 recipients of state benefits and a growing number of people who use the Post Office banking facilities rely on us for local access to funds. "The committee and the shop supporters are determined to do everything possible to ensure Frensham and Dockenfield continue to have a flourishing shop and post office."
