The future of the village shop in Norton-Sub-Hamdon has been secured, helped by a grant from South Somerset District Council of £9,436 to the Norton Community Land Trust (CLT) which has leased the shop premises and will be largely run by local volunteers.
The post office and shop has provided a vital local service for many years supporting Norton itself and the nearby villages of Chiselborough and West Chinnock. The retirement of the owner led to a local review of the future provision of a village shop and post office serving Norton and other nearby villages.
Liz Maunder, Secretary to the CLT said “We are very grateful to SSDC, not only for the award of the grant which was an enormous boost to the project but also for the support of officers and councillors, in particular Cllr Sylvia Seal who opened the shop for us”.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, local District Councillor for Norton said, “I am so proud of the achievements by local residents and the Community Land Trust and the future looks bright for this valuable village enterprise. The CLT researched other community managed shops, prepared a sound business plan and kept the community involved at all stages.”
Councillor Shane Pledger, Chairman of South Somerset District Council Area North Committee which awarded the grant added, “The council believes in supporting innovative communities which want to help themselves. In Norton-sub-Hamdon we have supported the efforts of the volunteers to save the shop for local residents, local producers and suppliers, and of course the employment and training on offer within the shop itself.”
Find out more about how the council can support your local area by contacting South Somerset District Council on 01935 462462 or email [email protected].
You can also go online and find out more by visiting www.southsomerset.gov.uk/communities.