I WRITE as the chairman of the Exbourne Shop Project in response to Councillor David Weeks? letter. Our problem at planning was that our design was not suitable ? in the view of the conservation and design officer. The committee chairman expressed reluctance as he moved the motion to refuse. We are now working on new designs and expect to find a design that will satisfy the planners shortly. It remains a mystery to me why the borough councillor should oppose this project. It has widespread support even if there is genuine concern about the parking implications. It is following a model successfully implemented in a number of villages in Devon, that of a community shop led by paid staff and supported by volunteers. The project is so much more than simple retail, with local produce and a café, providing a hub for village services and support for many. We have been building and refining this project over nearly four years and I have lost count of the numbers of experts who have helped us develop a 60-page business plan, with clear strategies for a range of outcomes of the actual trading. Our figures are deliberately conservative and low risk, yet show a modest profit as we serve both the communities of Exbourne and Jacobstowe as well as outlying settlements around. This profit would not be enough to justify a small one-man entrepreneur investing but will make the project self-sufficient. Why should not money be spent appropriately in this area? Why should not the needs of these communities be met by grant funding that is available? The Dalwood community shop (which we are modelled on) is currently planning an extension ? people want to support their local community and get involved. The present temporary arrangements are only available to a few, and the putting out and taking down is dispiriting ? serving the people is what excites all our volunteers and the new shop will enable us to do just that. The Rev Alex Welby Chairman Exbourne and Jacobstowe Community Association
