BRIDPORT: Business owners are putting ‘three minutes of madness’ behind them as they look forward to a busy festive period.

Bradpole Village Stores was targeted in a robbery last month – which forced Peter and Jacqui Satur to close the shop for repair work to be carried out.

But the store has already reopened and the couple are already moving forward to support the village community.

“It was three minutes of madness that caused three minutes of mess,” said Peter.

“We had to replace the post office door, along with the security screen and hatch.

“But it was important for the community, as well as for us, to put it all behind us as soon as we could and look ahead to Christmas.

“For a lot of customers, we are the hub of the community.

“A lot of our elderly or disabled customers can get here without a problem, but they can’t get to Bridport.

“When we had to close, a lot of people said they missed us.”

The business is more than a corner shop – selling a range of locally produced goods.

Last week, Furleigh Estates launched a new wine at the store – while locals can place orders for bread and other goods.

Peter and Jacqui took over the business in January and have already made a host of changes to improve the store.

“We have improved the quality of products that are sold here and we feel we give customers a good choice so that they don’t have to go into the town centre if they find it difficult,” said Peter.

“I didn’t realise how many changes would be needed – but we realise it is a long term plan for the future of the business.

“We want to make continual improvements and we will be looking at providing better access and to renovate our store room in order to provide better facilities for the staff. It’s all part of that process of improving.”

As well as sticking to local goods, the owners believe their personal touch has allowed the business to remain a staple of the community.

“It’s about knowing customers as well,” said Jacqui.

“We know them all by name and we know a lot of our customers’ regular orders.

“It can also be a social place for people to meet up and catch up on all the gossip. People appreciate that personal touch that you don’t get with big businesses and the community has been extremely supportive to us after the horrible thing that happened.”