MOVING Cheriton Fitzpaine’s community shop inside the former Methodist church next door looks set to cost a lot more than first thought.

The community shop was opened in 2018 in a cabin on land adjacent to the church following the closure of the village’s post office and shop two years before.

Since temporary planning permission for the cabin expires in November 2026 and the shop's lease in December 2027, villagers have been raising money to buy the former church and move the shop inside and open a cafe and muti-purpose hub.

The fundraising total so far has reached more than £81,000. Shop volunteers David and Wendy Handcock have even raised funds by doing a sponsored climb in Nepal.

But the project is likely to cost much more than anticipated, on top of the initial purchase price, due to the poor condition of the church building which has “major problems with practically everything” except the roof, a recent public meeting heard.

Some of the work can be carried out by volunteers, but much will need the professional input of local builders and craftsmen. Scaffolding for remedial work on the outside walls is also likely to be expensive.

Grant applications are in the pipeline for the renovation, but not for the initial purchase of the church, the meeting heard.

“If we manage it all, then we will have a place for our thriving little community shop to move into,” said Elly Babbedge, one of its founders.

There is an ongoing appeal for donations. Locals who want to see the project succeed are invited to pledge practical support if there is a successful purchase, organise fundraising events, or register with “easy fundraising” in favour of the project when they buy things online.

An official share offer is to be launched in May to coincide with the community shop’s seventh anniversary.