Lismore is launching a community shares offer this Saturday hoping to net the £70,000 it needs to take over the store and post office.
Residents, holiday home owners, visitors with a love of Lismore and those from far and wide with family links are being asked to take up the offer and help the community reach its target as soon as possible.
People on the island are being encouraged to invest a minimum of £25, while off-islanders are being asked to buy a minimum of 10 shares for £250. Donations will also be welcome, says Andy Hough of Lismore Community Trust and Community Benefit Society.
Earlier this year, the community voted in favour of Lismore Community Trust converting to a Community Benefit Society so it could push ahead plans to take on the shop and post office service and sell community shares to do it.
Reaching the £70,000 means the community could take on the business, stock it, carry out some refurbishment and have enough back-up cash for the first few years.
“The shop is a lifeline. It has basic produce, banking facilities and it’s a place where people can go to catch up and find out what’s happening on the island. It’s a place to gather and have a bit of craic.
“We need to be able to save it. If we lose it, then it could be the start of a slippery slope to losing other facilities we have,” said Mr Hough.
The plan is to be able to staff the shop with paid staff as well as being able to offer work experience and volunteering opportunities.
A community share prospectus will go on the community’s website once the initiative goes live.
The launch event is at the Heritage Centre Café on Saturday, October 7, from 6.30- 9pm. Attendees will be able to meet with members of the trust and Interim Management Board to find out about and to buy shares as well as discover other ways of contributing.