23/01/2009 - Village shops get £20,000 boost
A village in Hampshire has received a £20,000 grant as part of a pledge to increase funding to boost business for village shops and protect everyday services.
Hampshire Council has given the funding to Sparsholt Village Shop Association in a bid to encourage locals to use their local amenities and protect stores from future closures during the economic downturn.
The Village Community Grant scheme, which has so far been given to 12 villages across Hampshire, has enable Sparsholt to take over the village shop and Post Office, with funds going towards first-year operation costs and the purchase of stock.
Cllr Jonathan Glen, Hampshire council's executive member for skills and economic development and human resources, said; "A survey revealed 90% of residents wanted to see the shop remain open, so I am confident the funding will help the shop to flourish.
"As rural hamlets, they have few amenities and thanks to this funding, the store can continue as an important local service and point of social contact for many residents, especially the elderly and those villagers who don't drive and so rely on the store for their shopping."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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