Lydbury North Village Shop
When the last privately owned shop in the village closed and the premises were converted and sold as a house, the community of this small Shropshire village established a committee, organised public meetings and discussed the idea of establishing a community-owned shop. A great deal of support was received and funds were raised by loans and grants from various organisations. With this, and advice from ViRSA, the shop was registered in 2001 as an Industrial and Provident Society and re-opened in new rented premises. The community shop is now a convenience store which sells some fresh locally sourced products and shares its premises with the Post-Office, which is run as a separate business. The small profits which the enterprise generate are reinvested in the business. The whole community benefits from the presence of the shop and the services which it provides. It is estimated that 50% of customers are older people, who value the convenience of the store for small essential purchases, which they often make quite regularly. Children, tourists and some passing visitors also use the shop. Other users also include farm workers from nearby estates. The shop is the social point of the village and people value its convenience, accessibility as well as the social links it creates between all residents, old and young. Over 100 residents from the village and neighbouring parishes are shareholders in the shop, which is run by 30 volunteers, mainly aged 60+ and retired. The management committee is made up of 8 people. Many of the volunteers are people who wish to maintain the level of services in a village where they have chosen to retire. They have time to contribute and bring managerial, finance and business skills to the enterprise. Each volunteer does what he or she can, which may include working behind the counter, receiving the newspapers, carrying out stock management and pricing, undertaking general repairs or organising the weekly rota of shifts. They all put time and effort into the operation of the enterprise. In return, they get to know everybody else in the village and are able to be part of a rewarding community venture.