Essex village to get new shop

VILLAGERS have been given some great news this week – after eight years a new village shop is set to open. After the local amenity store closed down in Shalford, when the owners left the village, residents have been making the journey to Braintree, Dunmow

VILLAGERS have been given some great news this week - after eight years a new village shop is set to open.

After the local amenity store closed down in Shalford, when the owners left the village, residents have been making the journey to Braintree, Dunmow or even further to get their essential shopping items, including such simple things as a newspaper or a pint of milk.

Despite the credit crunch taking its toll elsewhere in the area, a family have now renovated the old village shop and are ready to open up on September 6.

Keren Wilkins and her partner Adam Cutts have undertaken the project with the help of Keren's parents, Peter and Sue Short, and are aiming to sell lots of essential items such as fresh fruit, fresh bread and other cupboard items.

Miss Wilkins said: "The building has been left empty and run down for eight years, and it has become a bit of an eyesore for the village.

"There are no other shops around, so we are hoping that this will be of benefit to the whole community."

Prior to the refurbishments the new owners conducted a local survey to see if it was something the villagers would dearly like to see.

"We had some very positive feedback from the survey," said Miss Wilkins. "We are sure this is what the village needs and we hope it can act has not only a shop, but a community hub for people to meet and greet."

The shop will also have a small tea room where people can sit with a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of home made cake.

"Our official opening is the same day as the village fete, so we are hoping that people will pop in and come and see the new shop."

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