Convenience store with a difference

OPEN for business . . . Fred Linskey in his new store

A tiny disused toilet block could bring a flush of success to Saddleworth’s most isolated village.

Denshaw lost its only shop five years ago when the sub-post office, which doubled as a general store, closed. But enterprising Fred Linskey is now welcoming customers to his “convenience” store — including avid readers of the Evening Chronicle. Oldham’s favourite read is high on the list of local essentials on sale, alongside bread, milk, stamps and sweets.

The building stands in Rochdale Road, near the crossroads in the village centre. Mr Linskey (49), from Austerlands, promised to respond to local needs with his range of products and, where possible, will stock goods from Saddleworth suppliers.

The store will open 7am-8pm Monday-Friday, 8am-1pm at weekends.

Parish councillor Alan Roughley, a Denshaw resident, said: “Its great news about the new shop. Denshaw has really missed having a local shop since the Post Office closed. People’s shopping habits have changed a lot recently but there should always be room for a small local shop offering good service.”