Dilemma over Dobcross’s only shop

The Dobcross Post Office and Village Store on Woods Lane

The owner of a much-loved Saddleworth village asset is facing a dilemma over its future.

Brian Hodgkinson, aged 80, and his wife, Andjelka, 74, have run the Dobcross Post Office and Village Store on Woods Lane since 2019.

It is the only shop in the pretty hillside village and Mr Hodgkinson is planning to explore an Asset of Community Value (ACV) option, which, if successful, would mean the business being run by the local community for the benefit of the community. 

He said: “Anyone who becomes a shareholder in an ACV has a vested interest in making sure the business does well and is more likely to support it.

“I don’t think anyone who has not had experience in running a shop realises how much work is involved both physically and mentally.

“We kept the shop going through the covid pandemic and lockdowns, and provided a lifeline for many.

“Since then, many customers have drifted back to their old habits of supermarket shopping resulting in a severe drop off in turnover, at the same time as electricity bills and other expenses have increased dramatically.

“We have not had a proper holiday since we opened the shop, but as I am now 80 with diminishing reserves of energy, and Andjelka is 74 and no longer able to participate in running the shop. 

“We decided it is time to redress the work life balance,” he explained.

“I’m really hoping some champion from the village will come forward and say this is what we need to do, and drive the concept forward leaving Andjelka and I to peacefully retire at last.

“I believe the idea has worked elsewhere, so I have no reason to believe it would not work in Dobcross.

"It’s my current preferred option,” he added.

“We had some interest from prospective private buyers during last Summer, but following the upheaval with interest rates last Autumn, they decided to pull out.”

For further information or suggestions, interested parties can contact Mr Hodgkinson directly via: brianhodgkinson@hotmail.co.uk

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