DIGGING a hole has been unveiled as a first class solution in the search for a permanent establishment for postal facilities in Exbourne.

More than 60 residents attended a meeting in the village hall organised by the Exbourne Community Shop Project on June 27 to hear a presentation given by architect Steve Blakeman.

Together with the committee he has looked at a number of possible sites for a permanent business — and all had run into snags.

However, Mr Blakeman, an architect living in the village, then produced a highly innovative proposal. His solution was to lift up a small area of the field opposite the Red Lion public house, dig a hole, build the shop in the hole — and replace the field.

Spokesman for the project, Mr Kit Ineson, said: 'All that would be seen from the High Street would be a row of windows and an entrance set back in the bank. Even the existing wall at the back of the pavement would be kept as well as a beautiful mature oak tree.'

He told the meeting that the interior of the premises would be designed to be airy and welcoming.

'The layout would ensure that staff — mostly volunteer but with a salaried manager — would have easy access to the post office, the shopping area and the cafe as well as having a clear view of the whole concern.

'The cafe would be at the front for good light and, in good weather, there would be room for a few tables outside in the entrance patio,' said Mr Ineson.

He said the idea had been discussed with the landowner who had given the project his full support, although details had yet to be worked out.

Mr Ineson said the committee wished publicly 'to record their thanks' to the landowner.

This was received as further good news in the wake of the committee's recent announcement that their first three months of operating a satellite sub-post office and cafe had been a success.

At the June 27 meeting Mr Ineson gave details of the original questionnaire which gave approval for the committee continuing with its study. Mrs Sally Horden summarised the successful progress of the present temporary arrangements for postal facilities.

Paul Ankorn gave a financial projection for the first few years' trading in a permanent shop-cum-post office. This was based on the experiences of the Sheepwash project — and his long experience as a postmaster and shopkeeper in Birmingham.

An outline of how the project gets registered as a legal entity and as a charity was given by Claire Kelly, who also explained the various sources for funding.

She said all the figures so far were rough estimates and that an accurate assessment was the next stage. The total capital needed could be as much as £150,000.

Mr Ineson said the major concern was the lack of parking space both for customers and delivery vehicles.

'The committee felt that, overall, the situation would be no worse than at present — and that this is outweighed by the benefits to the village and its residents,' he said.