About Castlethorpe Village Shop Association (CVSA)

Introduction

Castlethorpe Village Shop Association Community Interest Company (CVSA CIC) exists to secure the long‑term future of a village shop in Castlethorpe for the benefit of local residents. It is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (company number 06083255).

Our Purpose

CVSA CIC’s purpose is to provide and manage a local shop and related services that support the social and economic wellbeing of Castlethorpe. Surpluses are reinvested into maintaining and improving the shop, and in activities that contribute to village life, rather than being distributed as profit.

How we are structured

The CIC is overseen by a volunteer board of directors, who are responsible for the long‑term stewardship of the shop and its premises. Day‑to‑day retail operations are carried out by our tenant shopkeepers under a lease or management agreement, allowing them to run their own business while the community retains ownership of the building and overall purpose.

History

CVSA was created in 2007 as a not‑for‑profit community company to secure a village shop and post office for Castlethorpe. Working with the Parish Council, CVSA leased land on North Street to build new purpose‑designed premises.

The shop and post office opened in their new position in 2007, replacing earlier village store provision elsewhere in the village. Initial development was financed through community fundraising and borrowing, reflecting strong local commitment to retaining essential services.

From the outset, CVSA has operated on a community‑benefit basis rather than for private profit. The shop and post office are now recognised in local planning documents as key community facilities serving Castlethorpe and the surrounding area.

Over time, the offer has evolved to include an increasing range of everyday groceries and services in response to local needs. Today, CVSA continues to manage the premises and service, supporting village life and helping sustain Castlethorpe’s rural community.