BUILDING work has begun on the shop and Post Office extension at St Giles on the Heath, after the shop committee purchased the shop site from the Coronation Hall committee.

The shop will be enlarged and more storage space provided. The project has been funded by grants from Torridge District Council, New Homes Bonus Fund, Devon County Council (B?Parsons) and St Giles Parish Council.

The shop committee chairman, Ken Hamlyn, said the committee was most grateful for these excellent grants and expressed thanks to all those who have provided them.

He added: “I would also like to thank all those wonderful people who have supported the many fundraising events held for this project and all those who have helped to raise funds in many other ways, which has been a great help and are much appreciated.

“With the enlargement of the shop floor space, a bigger array of goods will be stocked. The shop and Post Office, together with other local businesses and organisations will provide a vibrant and sustainable community where people will want to come and live and support the excellent services in the local area.

“The committee have worked very hard to purchase the site and get this project off the ground. I am sure we will all be waiting for the day when we can celebrate the opening of the newly extended building.

“Once again, many thanks to all and we will keep you updated with further developments.”