Downturn helps village save shop

A community in Somerset has clubbed together to buy a village shop threatened with closure.

Residents of Croscombe, near Shepton Mallet, formed a shareholders' group of 55 to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to purchase Bungalow Stores.

The current owner, who ran the shop for seven years, put it on the market two years ago for personal reasons.

The downturn in the economy meant the residents' group could buy it for less than its original £400,000 price.

The shop and house next door were put up for sale as a package.

Villagers pulled together and, led by the parish council, formed a co-operative to take on the business themselves.

Louise Tully, vice-chairman of Croscombe Parish Council, said she was "overwhelmed" by the phenomenal community spirit shown in the village.

Community spirit

She said: "There's a really strong community spirit in Croscombe.

"It's one of those villages where more than one generation of a family live, and everybody knows each other.

"They feel strongly about the village and want to keep it a vibrant community."

She said the village shop was a focal point for the community, serving everyday items such as milk and bread, and was particularly beneficial for elderly residents unable to make the lengthier trip to Shepton Mallet.

Ms Tully could not confirm how much was paid for the shop, but said the current economic climate had "worked in their favour" as the asking price had come down from its original value of £400,000.

The village has found a couple, Phil and Shelley Critchley from Wedmore, who will run the business in the New Year.

Ms Tully said current owner John Lucas, who is leaving to start a new life in the Philippines, was extremely pleased with the sale.