A BUDLEIGH Salterton store dubbed 'lifeline' for pensioners, is unveiling its first makeover in nearly a century in a bid to stop it from going under.

A BUDLEIGH Salterton store dubbed 'lifeline' for pensioners, is unveiling its first makeover in nearly a century - in a bid to stop it from going under.The family business in Greenway Lane, run by Nigel and Sue Robinson, was forced to close the Post Office at the back of the shop because of cuts.The closures come on the back of a government recommendation to save money, claiming post office branches are commercially unviable - despite a campaign backed by residents and MP Hugo Swire.Since then the Robinsons, who have run the store for seven years, have admitted that losing the Post Office has not only inconvenienced residents, but has put the viability of their whole business at risk.The Post Office took up a third of the floor space, and former Postmaster Nigel said it was time for a change - the shop has barely changed in 100 years."We had no choice; either maximise the shop's facilities or go under," said Nigel.Sue said: "Greenways has been open nearly 100 years, it's part of the community."This is a true community shop where service, caring and a sense of humour are as important as delivery and convenience."We would hate to be remembered as the last owners of the shop, the ones who couldn't keep it open."We want to give it a new lease of life."She said the extra space would enable them to stock more lines, while the refurbishment would mean that wheelchair access would be easier."Your Greenway store will reopen on Saturday."We are proud to have a shop where the elderly can have their groceries delivered... a shop where children are welcome... a shop where gentlemen swap insults and put the world to rights when they buy the daily paper... we don't want this to change."We look forward to seeing you and hope that in some small way we are helping to ensure that we continue... for the next 100 years.