It’s great to get our shop back (From Cotswold Journal)
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It’s great to get our shop back
12:00pm Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in News
Bridget Jewell, centre, standing next to MP Peter Luff, reads a speech to mark the occasion.
VILLAGERS IN Flyford Flavell are celebrating the re-opening of their old convenience store.
Flyford Stores shut down back in January after the previous owners retired, but is now back in business after a former employee took over the lease.
The ribbon was cut on the re-opening of the popular shop by Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff.
Bridget Jewell, who has taken over from Mike and Leena Sheppard, said: “They tried to sell it on but could not find anyone to take it over so when they retired, it closed down.
“I worked for them and realised it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
“This was a badly missed village shop and the reaction I’ve had so far from the community has been fantastic.”
Mr Luff said: “The Sheppards did so much for Flyford Flavell, but they had earned their retirement.
“Bridget is also a muchloved figure in the village and I am sure the community will rally behind her and use the stores as enthusiastically as they did until this January.
“At a time when so many villages are losing their facilities – pubs, garages, shops – it’s great to see Flyford Flavell buck the trend and get its shop back.”
