Nearly 250 people, almost 10 per cent of the Shotley population, turned out for the two public meetings held to assess the support for a community shop, after the local shop in Shotley Gate closed on March 27 after 153 years of trading.
Added to the number of slips returned, which were sent out with the flyer promoting the meetings, it would appear there is a lot of interest and support for a shop run by the community.
Bernard Nichols, a parish councillor, led the meetings, the first at the Bristol Arms, and the other at the village hall, which were informative and positive.
Mr Nichols explained how he had visited Stutton’s Community Shop, and another at Rockland All Saints, near Attleborough, Norfolk, both of which had proved popular and successful and provided successful models.
Mrs Dina Bedwell, the Parish Clerk, explained why it was important to gauge public opinion before the council could move forward on any proposals or seek funding.
Questions from the audience included where the shop would be located, funding and staffing and what it would entail.
The audience was asked if they would like a coffee/tea room, a post office and general shop to be included.
They were also asked about what sort of things should be sold, including newspapers, fresh vegetables, bread and cakes, milk and other essential items, the overwhelming response was in the affirmative. Many offers of support to help run a community shop were also received.
Members of the audience pointed out how important the shop was to the social hub of the community and the essential service it provided, not just to resident but for visitors to Shotley Gate.
The results of the findings will be reported to the parish council later in May before any mandate can be given or further action taken.
There is still time to return slips from the Community Shop flyers sent out – so please return them as quickly as possible to either Bernard at Newhaven, Bristol Hill or Maureen, Faraway, The Street or send an email to bnicholspc@gmail.com or m933williams@btinternet.com.