BUILDING work got under way last Monday on what will be the new Oake Shop and Post Office when parish council chairman Sue Davies cut the first turf watched by dozens of villagers and customers.

It is hoped builders Blue Wave Construction of Wellington will have completed the extension to the village hall in which the shop and post office will be housed by June.

Diane Charlton, Oake shop Community Benefit Society secretary, said: “We are absolutely delighted – we never thought we would get this far.

“We’re so excited that we’ll be on the side of the village hall – it’s a community hub with a lot going on there, but there is still a lot of work to be done – it needs to be a viable business.”

The old shop had operated out of a bungalow in Saxon Close about 100 yards away since 1955 but three years ago the owner decided not to renew the lease and it looked like the shop could close.

Villagers looked at alternative sites and began fundraising towards a target of £150,000. The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund provided £95,000 of the total with Somerset Community Fund providing a £10,000 grant and £20,000 loan, and the village Sunshine Fund £2,000, along with smaller grants and village fundraising.

The new shop will offer about 50 per cent more space, which will allow it to stock more lines and provide much-needed extra storage, and ample parking will be available for customers.

It is planned to have an ice cream fridge, coffee machine and microwave, and a verandah with tables for customers to sit out.

Fundraising events have included a cream tea at J W Blooms nursery at Hillcommon in August and a music evening in Nynehead village hall in November. Village breakfasts are planned at the village hall in Oake in February and March, and a quiz in March.

Diane added: “We have nearly enough funding and are working hard and having fun raising the rest of the money from our local supporters, customers and volunteers.”

The shop is manned by a team of volunteers, while three trained and paid staff are employed behind the counter of the post office.