Felpham Post Office presented with community award

The Felpham Parish Council Chairman’s Award has been presented to the village Post Office for its Pop-Up Shop as well as its on-going support to local businesses and the community.

Since the Pop-Up shop was launched more than a year ago, many small businesses have used it to showcase handmade crafts, food, gifts and other products.

It has given them the opportunity to trade in a small, welcoming space without having to pay overheads for business premises while giving villagers access to more unusual and creative wares.

Dave Smart, chairman of Felpham Parish Council, said: “The Pop-up shop has become a real community hub in the centre of Felpham and has provided a vital outlet for small, independent businesses and individual traders.

“The Post Office, in Felpham Road, has always supported the community and is highly thought of by villagers.

“It looks after people who need help and takes them to its heart.

“You only have to look at its many positive reviews to see how valued both the Post Office and the Pop-Up shop is.”

Mark Chapman of Felpham Post Office said: “It is an honour to receive this award, especially in these difficult times.

“The Pop-Up shop was an idea that quickly grew into a very well used outlet for many people and I thank them for their continuing support.

“I never believed it could be as successful as it is.”

The award, chosen by the council chairman alone, should have been presented as part of Felpham Parish Council’s annual grants award evening in April but this was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Smart added: “Obviously it is disappointing that we couldn’t present the award earlier in the year but the last few difficult months have been even more of an illustration of exactly what the Post Office is all about.

“It has really stepped in to help people who are vulnerable, in need of help, anxious, and alone during the coronavirus – just another example of how much the village depends on it.”