A COMMUNITY shop in Dorset which opened its doors almost 30 years ago has been named one of the most influential businesses of its kind – and recognised with a national award.

Halstock Village Shop opened in 1991 when the village was facing a loss of facilities.

A group of locals banded together to provide a community-owned shop which would also offer community facilities.

Twenty-eight years later, the shop has been named by the national charity the Plunkett Foundation as its Centenary Community Business.

John Bright from Halstock Village Shop said: “I am extremely chuffed, completely surprised and especially pleased for the shop and all its staff and everyone who has been involved with it all these years.

“We are disappointed that a lot of the village don’t use the shop and go to the supermarket in Yeovil. However we can’t complain because since we took it over as a community shop we have doubled the turnover from £150,000 to nearly £300,000 a year – so there are enough people using it. ”

In 2001, the community business moved into a new purpose-built shop and community hub. The building features two flats that help fund the Halstock Village Trust, which gives grants to local organisations. The shop is managed by three members of staff and up to 20 volunteers.

The Plunkett Foundation supports rural communities across the UK and is marking its centenary year.

James Alcock, chief executive of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “Halstock Village Shop changed the way people think about rural services and showed us all what was possible and how it could be done. When they started in 1991 there wasn’t much support out there for them, they just had to roll up their sleeves and make it happen – and they did. In so doing they were trailblazers, lighting the way for other rural communities to follow.

“It is no exaggeration to say that they are one of the most influential community businesses of their kind. We are delighted to name Halstock Village Shop the Plunkett Foundation Centenary Business as we mark this important milestone in our history.”

Today there are more than 360 community shops trading across the UK.

The award was sponsored by Power to Change, the independent trust supporting community businesses in England.

Vidhya Alakeson, chief executive of Power to Change said: “Like all community businesses, Halstock has a huge impact on its local community and it is a real honour to be able to celebrate their achievements in these awards.”

The ceremony took place at Burlington House in London.

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