Crowle cuts turf to start shop build
February 8, 2018
On January 31 members of the local community in Crowle, Worcestershire, cut the first turf ready for contractors to start work building ‘The Shop at Crowle’ on Monday 5 February.
It is the largest community project in the area for two decades and local supporters, as well as volunteers who will serve in The Shop, project committee members, and representatives from many local organisations, came with their spades to mark this major step forward.
The new Shop, which will be run wholly for the benefit of the local community, will be a 50 foot x 20 foot timber-clad building, located next to Crowle Parish Hall. It will have a small cafe and outside seating area, serving light refreshments.
Stephen Denne, Chairman of the Shop’s Management Committee, says that The Shop is set to bring many benefits for local residents: “As well as convenience items, The Shop will give local people easy access to products from two dozen local suppliers and farmers, providing valuable support for the rural economy. It will also be a new social focus in the community, not only for shoppers and patrons of the cafe but also those who work there, providing training and development opportunities across all ages and backgrounds.
The Shop will have a part-time, paid manager, but will be run largely by volunteers. Sue Cole from the Management Committee, who is leading volunteer recruitment said: “The Shop is an exciting project which has inspired many local people. We have had a tremendous response from the community. As well as 50 volunteers to serve in The Shop, many other people have generously given their time and expertise.”
The Shop is expected to open in summer 2018, and was supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
