Ilton to lose its Post Office and shop

[TrueBlueTerrier]

ILTON will be without a village shop and Post Office from February 4.

Store owner Stan Church-Morrell, 51, has thanked his loyal customers but says he and his wife Polly have been running the business for a return of less than the minimum wage.

Mr Church-Morrell took over the business seven years ago but this week said supermarket shopping habits, combined with the economic downturn, had led to the closure.
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The business has been on the market for two years, without a buyer being found.

Mr Church-Morrell said: “I’d like to thank loyal customers for their support. It’s the end of an era as it’s a focal point for the village.

“When we looked at the figures and the long hours, we were working for well below the minimum wage. We can’t compete with supermarket prices.”

The building has been sold and is due to be demolished and rebuilt as a house, leaving people in Ilton facing a journey to Ilminster for their last minute essentials and supplies.

Ilton Parish Council chairman Dave Amor said: “It’s disappointing but it’s got to make a living for someone. We are hoping to set up a temporary Post Office service from the village hall.”

A Post Office spokesman said: “We will be working very hard to restore Post Office services to the area and at present looking into potential solutions.

“We are committed to restoring Post Office services in the Ilton area and will continue working within the local community towards this aim.”