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Sir George Young MP (right) cuts the ribbon to officially open the Headley with Ashford Hill Community Shop

VILLAGERS have become active shareholders by taking over their local shop.

Residents rallied round to save the shop and post office, which serves Headley and Ashford Hill, after the previous owners, Chris and Jill Blake, retired, and no one came forward to take over the lease.

In just three months, the Headley with Ashford Hill Community Shop Association was formed and managed to raise enough money to set up shop itself.

Sir George Young, MP for North West Hampshire, officially opened the shop, in Ashford Hill Road, which has been made possible with the help of a £15,000 grant from Hampshire County Council, donations and loans from villagers and Cheam School. Many of the local residents have now become shareholders.

So far, a total of £47,000 has been raised, including a promised £10,000 from the Village Retail Services Association, which has also agreed a £10,000 loan.

Shares and donations have raised £7,200 and private loans £4,500.

Sue Gillingham has now taken over as manager of the shop and post office, and is assisted by three part-time paid helpers and many volunteers.

Mike Aspray, chairman of the association committee, said: "In the short space of three months we have achieved a lot and it's a great testament to the people of this area."

He explained how the premises are leased from Mike and Della Sheridan, who live next door. "They have been extremely helpful," he said.

Cutting the ribbon to declare the shop officially open, Sir George said: "This is a wonderful story of the success of villages fighting back, rallying round and raising a bob or two to keep open this great resource."

He added: "It serves as an example to a number of other villages across the country who find themselves with the same challenge."

The shop is also stocking more local produce, including sausages from nearby Stark House Farm.

Frances Paget, from the farm, said: "We have been involved from the very beginning to try and save the shop, so today is a great day.

"This shop is very important here, not just for the services, but also the social aspect.

"You always see someone you know when you pop in."

8:35am Sunday 20th July 2008

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