AN OPPORTUNITY is 'on the table' to become a shareholder of a village shop and post office.

Llandyrnog Village Shop has been at the heart of the community for more than a century. It was opened by Samuel Fox in 1841 and has been serving customers, from its former premises next to the Golden Lion, and from its current premises since 1980.

Along with its Post Office, the premises has acted as a 'central hub' for the village.

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There are now plans to take this further.

Residents want to purchase the property and create a 'socal space'; light refreshments will be offered as well as indoor seating.

Emyr Morris, Llandyrnog resident who is leading the project along with directors Viv Rosser, Jackie Le Fevre and Gina Johnston, and chair Ivan Butler, said: “Funds from this share offer will make it possible for us to draw down grant funding that has already been promised. The monies are needed to both purchase the property outright and develop it into the community resource we know it can be.

“We aim to run the project in an environmentally friendly way as much as possible by introducing solar panels and a battery storage system to reduce our carbon footprint. We will also seek ways to reduce the use of plastic and replace with recyclable materials.

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“This area is home to so much talent. We look forward to working with local producers and makers to display their wares and make their goods available. Alongside a small staff team, we hope to involve volunteers of diverse ages and all abilities, providing opportunities to gain vital independent living and working experiences.

“Our village has had a shop since 1841. With your help we can look forward to celebrating a 200-year anniversary in 2041 and ensure that future generations benefit from a resource that has been lost in too many villages in recent times.

“Together, our efforts will restore and sustain the heart of the village.”

James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd is backing the scheme. 

He said: "Village shops are often the hub of a local community, but sadly in March last year the shop part of the Llandyrnog Village Community Shop and Post Office was closed and put up for sale. It was decided that the best option going forward is for it to be purchased for the community by the community.

“Before Christmas, it was announced that the shop will receive up to £200,000 in matched funding from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, to assist with the purchase and reopening. The share offer has been launched to help raise the remainder of funding required.

“By becoming a shareholder of the Llandyrnog Community Shop Ltd, you could help save this valuable community asset.

“The aim is to raise a minimum sum of £30,000 and a maximum of £70,000 from the community share scheme. The higher amount would enable the completion of stage two and three of the project, the building of an accessible toilet facility and re-roofing and insulating the roof. 

“The minimum investment is £25 per share, with a maximum set at £7,000. Those wishing to invest more than £7,000 in the project are advised to contact the Company Secretary.

“The project aims to develop a Community Hub, safeguard the current Post Office and reopen the currently closed village shop. 

“The hope is to provide a relaxing space where people from the local community can gather and meet up with others for a chat and a cuppa.  

“This is a really exciting opportunity and I encourage people in a position to do so to sign up to share offer and help create a community facility that can enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.” 

The share offer will close on Thursday, June 8. 

For further information on the Share Scheme and to access the application form, visit: llandyrnogshop.com/en/home