For more than 150 years a shop has served the community of Lythe but it now faces an uncertain future as volunteer numbers to keep the shop running fall.
Since 2014, Lythe Shop on the village high street has been run by local people as a community benefit society.
However, the current committee are retiring at the end of the year and so new people are needed to take it over and keep it running in its present form.
The current business is run by a loyal team of volunteers and paid staff and features a Post Office, a tea garden with food preparation hut, a well-equipped indoor kitchen and storage room and office areas.
A recruitment drive for volunteers at the beginning of summer did generate interest but still more people are needed.
A shop spokesperson said: “We have wonderful supportive customers and the shop is a hub where people can meet neighbours who they would not otherwise see very often. We also support older people who can’t make it to the shop.
“We are still looking for keen volunteers to form a committee and and/or assist in the practical running of the shop. We could offer training in all aspects of the business. People with financial, retail, building/maintenance and volunteering experience would be particularly helpful.”
Another public meeting is being held on Monday (September 28) at 7pm in Lythe Village Hall where people are welcome to pop along and find out more or for more information contact Pen Cruz or Laura Dunn on 01947 893983.
