TREE INN POST OFFICE
THE TREE INN, STRATTON, BUDE, CORNWALL, EX23 9DA
APPLICANT AND BACKGROUND
The village of Stratton lost its post office in 2006 before the Post Office review of North Cornwall services. Bob and Emma Semple, owners of the Tree Inn, saw the opportunity with a redundant part of the hotel courtyard building and approached Pub is the Hub. As they own the freehold and run a highly successful bar, catering, function and accommodation business an application to Business Link was made with the licensees. Pub is the Hub assessed the project, successfully applied for a “variation to the premises” license, obtained estimates amounting to £23.7k, drew up a programme and specifications, applied for funding after guidance from the South West Regional Development Agency.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The parish council supported this project after advice from Pub is the Hub and also the planners, who were consulted early on and guidance was accepted in view of the buildings history. The nearby supermarket dominates retail spending but the service has generated a sustainable level of income and with the Post Office support on salary.
OUTCOMES
The introduction of the project added value to the business and the owners are capable of adjusting the retail strategy and it is turn over above the projections.
The new Post Office has brought a redundant garage building back into productive use and resulted in a real transition.
Providing the new Post Office services from the pub keeps an essential service in the village.
The pub has made a valuable contribution to the sustainability of rural services and has strengthened its role at the heart of village life. Both are important to the viability of communities.
The pub is also offering free Broadband Internet access, that will be available during post office opening hours.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- A good site with an experienced couple owning and running the operation.
- A very sound business to base the project on with help from the Post Office.
- Early consultation with the planners and support from the parish council allowed us to continue unhindered.
- Project brought community back together with this very personal operation.
- Future processes may need to be less complex but obviously within normal financial boundaries for applicants
PROJECT CAPITAL COSTS
Total project capital costs £23,700.00
Applicant contribution £23,700.00
LICENSEE CONTACT
Bob & Emma Semple Tel. 01288 352038
PUB OWNER: Independent
