Image source, Georgina Hemmings
People living in a rural Devon village will be able to shop locally for the first time in 10 years.
Bridgerule’s previous store shut down a decade ago, forcing people in the village near the Devon-Cornwall border to travel miles to go shopping.
But after £85,000 was raised by the Bridgerule Community Shop Management Committee, a shop has been built next to the village hall.
Holsworthy mayor Nigel Kenneally will open the shop at an event on Saturday.
The committee, which gathered the money for the site through fundraising projects and grant funding, has been working since 2020 to get the store up and running.
The committee said the shop will have a number of household and grocery items on its shelves and will also have a coffee machine.
‘Proud’ moment
Georgina Hemmings, the committee’s secretary, said since the previous store closed, people have had to travel about four miles to get essentials.
She said this was problematic for those without their own transport as they would have to travel to the shops by bus, which Ms Hemmings said was an “infrequent” service.
Ms Hemmings added the team looking after the shop hopes it becomes a “hub” for the village.
Image source, Georgina Hemmings
“It’s wonderful to see the light at the end of the tunnel and there’s not another train coming the other way,” she said.
“We can actually stand here now as we stock the shelves and fill a bit of pride and seeing it all coming together.
“We’re just hoping the community who wanted the shop will support us.”
The store will be open between 08:30 and 17:30 Monday to Saturday and from 09:00 to 12:00 on Sundays, Ms Hemmings said.