A NEW village store ‘built by the community, for the community’ has launched in Coaley.

The new shop has been some three years in the planning and residents are delighted that it has finally opened its doors.

Chair of the shop committee Brenda Board said: “The planning and fundraising took quite some time and of course the Covid lockdown didn’t help.

“However, we cut the first sod in March and since then things have moved forward incredibly quickly.”

Members of the community have volunteered their time and skills to help move the project along.

Planners, fundraisers, designers and volunteers have been lending a helping hand to builder Steve Birkbeck, including woodworkers, electricians and painters. Lots of people have given their time freely because of their commitment to the project.

The old shop was a prefabricated structure, erected as the store 18 years ago. It had previously seen service as a school classroom and many residents remember having lessons in it.

Although as a shop the building had become very dilapidated, the store was and remains central to the community and was particularly important during the Covid lockdown. Groceries were delivered to older and vulnerable villagers who were socially isolating.

The new shop has been specially designed to meet current needs.

One of the key features is a large area where shoppers can enjoy light refreshments, and which will serve as an informal meeting space.

It is hoped that this will be used to establish a dementia café.