A GRATEFUL resident has praised the efforts of a community shop which has gone above and beyond over the past year.
Richard Colley, who is vice-chairman of Wrabness Parish Council, speaks on behalf of the village when he recognises the store’s efforts.
Wrabness community shop, in Black Boy Lane, was established just under ten years ago when the former village shop closed.
This closure meant the isolated location also lost its post office too.
However, determined residents rallied round to create the community shop which has gone from strength to strength while remaining wholly dependent on raising money and volunteers.
Over the past 12 months those involved with the shop have been fundamental in keeping the village going during testing times.
Mr Colley admitted he doesn’t know what residents would’ve done without it.
He said: “It acted as our village hub over lockdown to keep us going. They were willing to do anything – collect prescriptions, deliver shopping, take people to hospital.
“Anything vulnerable people needed, they would sort it. Even just the social contact as things were delivered to isolated people’s homes was so important in keeping spirits up.
“Since restrictions have come in and out of place they have always carried on, they’re rather like the guardian angels of Wrabness.
“The village is isolated and people often have to travel to another town to get what they need, but people from our shop are doing the travelling and helping the vulnerable people.”
According to Mr Colley, community spirit has always been the driving force behind the quiet village.
He added: “We’ve got a legacy of self-help and we’re lucky to be blessed with great community spirit.
“This has been very important. The younger and fitter members of the community were supporting those for whom it was all a huge problem, they were finding life very restricted and difficult.
“It has morphed as needs have changed over time. The demand is less now but they will still go above and beyond.
“It has been so reassuring to know the service was, and still is, available. They’ve done a brilliant job and we’re very grateful.”
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