Historic Victory: Felpham Community Unites to Save and Relocate Cherished Village Post Office
Community Spirit Triumphs in Felpham
Felpham’s Post Office and village store is preparing for a historic move this September, following a successful community takeover spearheaded by Friends of Felpham CIC. The transition will begin when the existing postmaster hands over the current site at 92 Felpham Road on July 28th.
The relocation process will see the Post Office operating from its current location until August 30th, before moving to its new home at 1 Grassmere Parade, Felpham Road. The new branch is scheduled to open its doors on September 6th at 9 am, with a grand opening ceremony planned for 11am.
Community Investment and Improvements
The campaign’s success is marked by the remarkable achievement of raising nearly £70,000 through community fundraising, donations, and investments. The new location will feature significant improvements, including two screened Post Office counters, enhanced accessibility with a new ramp and assist button, and dedicated shop space managed by both paid staff and local volunteers.
Vital Services Preserved
The preservation of the Post Office is particularly crucial as banks continue to close in the area, including planned closures of Santander and Lloyds in Bognor. The new branch will offer extended Post Office opening hours compared to the previous morning-only schedule.
This development is significant for Felpham, a village that maintains its unique identity separate from neighboring Bognor Regis and Middleton-on-Sea. With a population approaching 12,000 residents, the village boasts comprehensive amenities including a leisure centre, educational facilities, and various community halls.
Community Moving Day
The community’s dedication was further demonstrated during the moving process, as dozens of locals came together to help transport stock to the new location. The move saw residents creatively using mobility scooters, trolleys, and wheelbarrows to transport items along Grassmere Parade.
