Support the community shops with new guide

A new and simpe guide has been produced with the aim of helping local communities make the most of community village shops. 

We all love the traditionalism there that comes with Chichester and you may or may not be surprised to hear that there are in fact over 30 village shops within the Chichester District, of which five are classified as community shops. What defines a community shop as a community shop is that it is managed and directly controlled by the community and that profits that are made are re-invested back into the business.

Cllr Mylee Cullen, who is the Cabinet Member for Economy, Property and Tourism, goes as far as calling community and village shops a potential "lifeline for rural communities with the numerous different services they can provide."

She continues: "As well as the everyday items, some have branched out and have cafes, a post room, a prescription service, internet, and can even hire bikes from some."

For local communities who may want a village shop but don't know where to begin to get one, Ms Cullen has worked with Sue Ransley, Chair of the award-winning Kirdford Village Stores, to produce a simple guide on what needs to be considered. This includes information ranging from consultation to legal structure, and fund raising to management.

The council's Chairman attended a cutting of the turf ceremony in Milland on Monday (25 July). The council has granted £25,000 towards the project. The shop is planned to be open seven days a week. As well as offering fresh produce, it will have a café and other services such as prescription service or dry cleaning collection.

What do you think of the idea of community and village shops? Perhaps you're interested in the beginnings of one? Click here for a link to downloading the guide and feel free to leave your thoughts here.