VILLAGERS turned out in force to celebrate the official opening of their new community shop.

More than 200 people were bathed in early autumn sunshine when they witnessed West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin cut the ribbon to declare the business up and running on Saturday.

The project was launched following the closure of Alfrick stores and Post Office in July 2011 and villagers joined forces to raise £19,000 by selling shares in the venture.

This, coupled with grants from Big Lottery, Awards for All and Plunkett Foundation, allowed them to create their own store in a portable building at the village hall.

Alan Soper, chairman of the committee running the shop, said: “I am delighted so many people came to the grand opening and had such a great time. It showed the massive support that exists for the shop in the villages of Alfrick and Lulsley.

“We are very appreciative of Harriett Baldwin’s support for the shop and she did a very good job of snipping the ribbon to declare it open.”

The shop, which is staffed by 60 volunteers, opened for business on June 22 and Mr Soper said trade was doing “extremely well”.

He added: “We have been open 14 weeks. There has been a good, steady level of business and it is where we expected it to be. That is down to the support from the local community and some very good local suppliers.”

Mrs Baldwin said: “This has been a long journey to return a village store to Alfrick and I pay tribute to the hard work put in by local people. I am particularly pleased that so many people have agreed to volunteer their time to help out and I look forward to seeing the shop return to its place at the heart of the village community.”

She will also continue to lobby the Government regarding the return of post office services to the village, having mentioned it during a debate in the House of Commons.

During the celebrations villagers were able to enjoy a pig roast, the release of doves and live music from jazz trio the Severn Valley Hot Three.

 

PICTURE CAPTION: IT’S OPEN: Harriett Baldwin, West Worcestershire MP, cuts the ribbon to declare the business up and running with Alan Soper, chairman of the committee running the new community shop. Picture by Nick Toogood.  39141701