Lead Partner: Plunkett Foundation
Description
The Store is the Core programme examined how village shops and community enterprises could be developed into multi-service outlets. The work undertaken was managed by Plunkett Foundation, and drew on the expertise of the Scottish Community Retailing Network, South West Mayo Development Company and the Countryside and Community Research Unit of the University of Gloucester (Dr Malcolm Moseley.)
The participants were Sulgrave Community Shop in Northamptonshire. Uig Community Co-op on the Isle of Lewis and Murrisk Community Cafe in South West Ireland.
The action research is now complete and the full details can be viewed in the report attached. Two of the communities were able to add at least two new services to what they originally had to offer and one community achieved one.
The conclusion of the research shows that each experience resulted in a number of lessons learned which will be appreciated by others thinking of adding a service to an existing community facility. It confirmed that the basic model of community enterprise, when combined with community development and more efficient and equitable delivery of services in rural areas is a sound model when the local context is respected. The most important of these are clear local need, support and substantial sustained voluntary commitment.
Contact Details
Gill Withers and Donna Smith ViRSA - The Village Retail Services AssociationPlunkett FoundationThe QuadrangleWoodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1LH
Tel: 01993 814 377
E-mail: gill.withers@plunkett.co.uk/ donna.smith@plunkett.co.uk
Website: http://www.plunkett.co.uk
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| The Store is the Core Final Report.pdf | 148.95 KB |