1. Community Shops: Case Study Helen Melia Founder member, Strood Green Shop Association

2. Brief history • Deteriorating privately owned village shop • Village offers to buy in 2005. Declined, shop CLOSED • In 2008, new owners offered a peppercorn lease to the community • £80,000 needed for complete refurb, fittings and new stock

3. Fundraising begins

4. And continues....

5. Collating 1500 share packs

6. Community engagement • Formed an Industrial & Provident Society • Sold £10 shares (over 400 shareholders) • Fundraising events • Applied for grants • Took out a loan • Opened as a community-run shop in March 2009

7. Transformed.... From open days.... To Opening Day!

8. A shop to be proud of

9. Our first Christmas

10. What it offers the community • Employs local people • Employs & trains teenagers • Rota of volunteers • Offers postal services • Sells local produce • Internet cafe • Free wi-fi • Free library • Social hub

11. The need for the shop • A lifeline in bad weather • Meeting place & rallying point • Reduction in food miles • Reduction of car journeys • Supports the local economy • Community spirit

12. What does it stock? • Everything! • Local produce • Groceries • Sweeties • Alcohol • Fresh veg • Bakery

13. How does it work? • Society is run by Management Committee (all volunteers) elected by Members • Paid staff report to Committee • Volunteers support staff

14. Support from outside • County councillor very supportive – helped obtain grants • Parish council also supportive regular funding • Rural community council facilitated a grant • The Plunkett Foundation for finance, advice & training