RESIDENTS of Chaddesley Corbett have rallied together to keep trade alive in their historic village street following the closure of their village store.
After they were faced with the closure of their village store and post office, other retailers in the village decided to join together to offer the same services that residents were set to lose.
Jukes Village Store had been serving Chaddesley Corbett for more than 100 years, but at the end of February it closed its doors. The post office has been relocated to Rowberrys Garden Centre, in Lower Chaddesley.
Resident David Hislop said: “We thought this would be a sad moment for the village but other shopkeepers have decided to work together and put new life back into what is already a vibrant village street.”
The Village Butcher is taking over the supply of newspapers, magazines, milk and bread – along with kitchen essentials – while a couple of doors away, florist Helen England is also doing her bit.
Mark Page, Village Butcher owner, said: “It is really important we all keep these services going, so we thought we would start offering papers and morning goods so villagers can get what they need.”
Helen England, owner of the Flower Room, added: “We already have a lot of people stopping by to get flowers and gifts, so now we will also be selling the greeting cards, wrapping paper, postage stamps and stationery and dry cleaning services that the village shop used to.”
There is also good news for walkers and visitors passing through the village who want a cup of tea and a piece of cake, as Natalie Wilkinson, who runs the popular Village Tea Room, will be extending her range of take-out food and drink – some of which was previously supplied by the village shop.
Wyre Forest District councillor, Stephen Williams, said: “Chaddesley Corbett is a lovely area.
“In the village street we also have a hairdresser, a beauty salon – and the Swan and the Talbot pubs, plus the Fox and the garage Londis store nearby.
“We are so lucky to have such great shopkeepers, who are rallying round for the benefit of everyone.”
Andrew Page, a resident of the village, added: “When so many villages are losing their shops and sense of community, we are very fortunate in Chaddesley to have a strong community and so many local businesses.
“I am sure lots of local people and passers-by will benefit from these wonderful new ventures.”
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