VILLAGE SHOP PROGRESS REPORT

Over the last five years, the Parish Council and Shop sub-committee have worked hard to try and re-establish a shop in the Village. At times it must have seemed that nothing was happening. Many of the discussions had to be kept confidential due to the sensitivity of the possible solutions being explored. However, during this time we have visited many community shops both in Oxfordshire and the near by counties, and a wealth of information has been collected.

NEXT STEPS
When embarking on a Social Enterprise such as this, all the options must be considered. In addition to the refurbishment and alteration costs, there are planning issues to overcome, and grants and funding which may be available.

We propose to have an open meeting in June to keep the Community informed. Jane Barker the Shop Advisor from Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, will attend to answer any questions.

Our thanks go to Matt & Sarah Allen who have given us the opportunity to restore a village shop in the previous location and to the community supporting the project.

Celia Collett

RESULTS OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

77% return (512 delivered - 394 returned)

Question 5 "How important do you think it is to have a shop in the village ?”
(Respondents were asked to circle order of priority, from 1 to 5, with 5 being very important).

76% were 4 and 5
19% were 1 to 3
5% did not answer this question.

Question 6 “Would the following encourage you to use a shop in the village …?”?

A Post Office, bakery, local and home-made produce, newspapers and delicatessen all came top.

Question 7 "How much would your household be likely to spend per week in a Community village shop ?"

200 said £10 to £20
96 said £20 to £30
36 said £30 to £40
16 said £40 to £50
2 said £50 to £60
3 said over £60

Question 9 "Would you, or anyone in your household be interested in voluntarily helping a Community Shop to get started ?

Fundraising	71
Marketing	27
Donation	72
Buying shares	75
Making a loan	39

Question 10 Volunteering to work in the shop

Over 150 people said they would be willing to help in this way, with 5 people offering to help with Book-keeping, and one person offering to act as Shop Manager.