Stisted Community Shop has upgraded its counter area thanks to a £2,000 grant awarded by Braintree District Council from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The new purpose-built counter, which includes additional storage behind and shelving to the front, allows the shop to stock a wider range of everyday essentials and improve the overall service for local residents.
The community-run shop is the only place to buy frequently needed items in the village. It stocks a wide range of goods, including household products, tinned food, preserves and condiments, biscuits, cakes and baking products, plus chilled and frozen items. It champions, where possible, local produce including eggs, honey, Wilkin & Sons, Fairfield crisps and Temprd chocolate.
The shop also plays an important social role, offering a warm and welcoming place on Saturdays where residents can meet for a coffee and a chat, as well as purchase artisan breads and cakes.
Cllr Justin Wrench, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: “Community shops like this are at the heart of our rural villages, providing not just essential goods but a vital social hub for residents. I’m delighted that this funding has helped the shop improve its facilities, enabling volunteers to expand what they offer and continue their brilliant work in serving the local community.”
Lesley Collins on behalf of Stisted Community Shop said: “We would like to thank the community in Stisted for supporting us and to all the volunteers who help run the shop and Saturday café - we really couldn’t do any of this without you. And finally, the Trustees of the Montefiore Institute who very kindly let us use their premises, The Hawthorne Trust for its ongoing support and of course Braintree District Council for this latest grant.”
Across the district, 18 projects have received a £156k boost thanks to the award of funds from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.