WORK is under way on a new community shop for Norton Lindsey.
The shop has been the long-held ambition of Norton Lindsey Community Pub Ltd. The local fundraising group formed six years ago and has already successfully opened Warwickshire’s first community owned pub in the village.
The New Inn was purchased collectively by more than 220 people.
Now, thanks to a grant of £75,000 from Warwick District Council, they have been able to start work on building a shop next door, completing their plans to provide a fully functioning community hub for their village.
WDC’s resources spokesman Coun Richard Hales said: “I am very pleased that the council has been able to award additional funding towards this outstanding community project. I want to pay tribute to the Norton Lindsey Community Pub Ltd for their tenacity and achievements to mitigate against the loss of the pub and provide the village with an essential service and meeting point, we can’t wait for the opening.”
Quentin Hayes, Chair of the NLCP Ltd Management Committee, added: “It’s great to see this building coming to life and we would like to thank Warwick District Council for their ongoing support to help to make our idea a reality.
“The new facility will add social, economic and environmental value to our community especially for the elderly and those without easy access to transport. It will also bring to life a big piece of our vision to create a vibrant and socially inclusive community hub in Norton Lindsey.”
