KENNERLEIGH’S newly refurbished community shop is open for business.

It was bought by the local community in 2014 when the previous owner announced she wanted to retire and put the shop up for sale.

Since then, a community benefit society has worked to secure funding and planning permission to modernise and enlarge the premises.

Kennerleigh and District Community Stores continues to supply a wide range of goods and have a Post Office, and there is also now a “café corner” for people to meet up and socialise.

“After years of planning and effort, the management committee of Kennerleigh and District Community Stores is thrilled to announce that the new shop is completed and open for business,” a spokesperson said.

“On the retirement of the then-shop owner in 2014 a community benefit society (CBS) was established by local volunteers to secure the shop and post office facilities.

“The building itself was small, and its challenging condition and lack of facilities were becoming increasingly unacceptable for modern standards.

“A vital gift doubling the site, coupled with encouragement and support throughout from shareholder Pamela Tilney Ellis and her family’s charity, enabled us to proceed to enable this enhanced design to be realised, negotiate planning consent and secure funding.

“Funds were obtained from the [government’s] Community Ownership Fund, encouraged by a very generous matched grant from the Charitable Trust, plus balancing grants and donations from members of the CBS and the local council.

“Thanks to a huge team effort from the management committee, shop staff and so many from the wider community, this rebuild has been realised, whilst keeping the shop open in the Parish Hall, and the future of this cherished community asset is now secured.”

The new shop will host a celebration and thank-you event on Saturday, February 8 from 3pm to 5pm. All are welcome for tea and cake.