02/03/2009 - Recognition for community shop
A North Devon-based community-owned shop has won an award for best village shop and post office in the south-west of England.
The shop in Berrynarbor was among four winners of the South West Countryside Alliance Awards, designed to give recognition to unsung rural heroes.
In 2004 the community demonstrated its resilience when faced with the prospect of losing the village shop due to the retirement of its postmaster. The residents rallied together and formed a co-operative to save the shop.
Alex Parke, of Berrynarbor Community Shop and Post Office said it was one of the "key facilities, the heart of any village."
Shop manager Anita Abbott remarked that the shop was of great importance to the people of the community, particularly the elderly, and reinforced that it plays an integral part in village life.
Community-owned rural shops are reportedly on the rise with almost 200 in the UK, growing by around 20 each year. The shops vary reflecting the general needs of the community, they range from purpose-built premises in the case of Berrynarbor, others may be sited in previous shops, village halls churches and pubs.
The staff of Berrynarbor Community Shop and Post Office will now attend a reception at the House of Lords on March 18, alongside the other finalists, where the winner of the Countryside Alliance Awards will be announced.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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