Mums fight to get back village shop

SHOP fight . . . Sharron McGladdery and Heidy Ackroyd pictured outside the former post office in Denshaw

Villagers to be quizzed over community store
TWO determined mothers have launched a drive to see the return of a village shop.

A fortnight ago, a “To Let” sign appeared on the village’s landmark Junction Inn and earlier another pub, The Black Horse, just a few hundred yards away, put up its shutters.

And last year, the post office, which sold everything from toilet rolls to tea bags, shut.

Now Heidy Ackroyd and Sharon McGladdery, members of Denshaw Community Association, are exploring if a community-run store might replace it.

They pin-point the success of the thriving, purpose-built village hall, which has effectively become the community hub, and offers a wide range of activities.

Mrs Ackroyd said: “Our regular monthly markets at the hall show there is a demand for good quality, good value produce in our village.

“Re-opening the shop would greatly enhance community spirit.”

Mrs McGladdery said: “For most villages, the shop is a vital lifeline and for some people, especially those without transport, it is an important connection with the world beyond their front door.

“It is a meeting place, communication centre and a lynchpin of village life.

“The presence of a shop would provide a service that has been missing in the village since the closure of our post office.”

The nine-point questionnaire is the first step to finding residents’ views on the idea of having a village shop, what would be provided, and what would receive support.

Questions range from suggested opening hours to what villagers would buy.

The duo urged locals to let them know if they are willing to help run the enterprise and say they would work with Village Retail Services Association (ViRSA), a charitable arm of the Plunkett Foundation, which has already helped establish 200 community-owned shops. Landlady of The Junction, Jane Gregson, who handed her notice in after just six months at the pub, backed the idea for a shop.

“The village desperately needs some facilities,” she said. Anyone wanting to discuss the project can contact Sharon on 01457-870348 or Heidy Ackroyd on 07969-552261.

Copies of the completed questionnaire should be returned to Junction House, 2 Ripponden Road, Denshaw, or left at the village hall. Alternatively contact: www.denshawvillagehall.co.uk

The results of the survey will be published and presented to a public meeting.