AN £80,000 project to provide a new community shop in Spreyton is a step closer to reality.

Members of the Spreyton Village Shop Committee are now in final talks with potential builders and contractors, after planning permission was granted by West Devon Borough Council last November.

The community-owned, volunteer-run shop will be located on a piece of ground near the village hall, which will also allow for ample parking.

Chairman of the village shop committee Roo Haywood Smith said the shop would be a hub for the community.

She said: 'We started looking at having our own shop after the former village shop closed.

'We asked residents what they wanted and have been looking at our options.

'We feel it shouldn't just be a community-owned shop in name, but also in reality and so we really want everyone in the village to buy a share — as share owners they will have a vote, they will have a say in how it is run.

'We've been funded by some very generous and worthwhile organisations who've supported us throughout the project and we are keen to promote our shop to get local suppliers on board.

'It's also great because we can take advantage of the brilliant car parking facilities and a lot of things that are going on during the week in the hall will attract people to the shop.'

Mrs Haywood Smith said the shop was an excellent opportunity for the whole village:'Once the initial hard work is done it will be a huge benefit to and enhance the future of our community.'­

The shop will sell produce from local people and welcome anything from paintings and crafts to vegetables and cakes. 

West Devon Borough Council member James McInnes, who has supported the project since it began, said he was pleased the developments were moving forward: 'I'm really excited that this community project is finally getting off the ground and I'm sure the whole community will support it once it's open.

'Spreyton is a vibrant community, but because of this vibrancy residents have put in a tremendous amout of effort getting the planning permission and raising the funds necessary to build the shop.

'It's a real example to any other communities that want to try and do the same project in the future.'

Funding for the project includes: £20,000 from the Village Retail Services Association (ViRSA), £20,000 from the Co-op and Community Finance Bank, £23,000 from the Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund (LEAF), £2,500 from West Devon Borough Council's community fund and just over £11,000 from its LEAF match-funding pot, £3,500 from Spreyton village and £500 from Devon County Council.

The village shop committee would like to hear from anyone who feels they can give some volunteer time to help.

Shares cost £10 which allows members to hold an account in the shop and entitles them to have a vote at the annual meeting for anyone over 18.

For more information on the shop and shares phone Roo Haywood Smith on 01647 231576 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

It is hoped work on the shop will start this month and that it will open in early summer.