Brent Knoll’s new community store is taking shape as construction work wraps up this year

Work to build a new permanent community shop in Brent Knoll is progressing well and is on track for completion later this year.

Brent Knoll Community Shop – which currently operates from a Portakabin – is to move into a new purpose-built building outside the village hall. The public toilet block is undergoing refurbishment as shown here.

The store, now in its fourth year, has over 160 shareholders and 30 volunteers who keep it running profitably.

The store’s management told shareholders at their last members’ meeting that £26,000 had been paid to Brent Knoll Parish Council as a contribution towards the costs of converting the new building into a fully equipped store.

Trading profits, stock sales and special events have contributed significantly to equipping the store, although a funding shortfall of £14,000 remains.

In an attempt to address the funding shortfall, store president David Yates encouraged members to buy more shares and invite others to participate.

The business has had its share of challenges, with an annual electricity bill rising from £500 to nearly £5,500 due to global events; however, Treasurer Bob Smith assured those in attendance that they were returning to manageable levels.