SUPPLEMENTARY MEMORANDUM BY THE COUNTRYSIDE
AGENCY (RWP 24A)
THE COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY'S SUPPORT FOR VILLAGE
SHOPS
VILLAGE SHOPS
DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
The Countryside Agency supports village shops
through the Village Shops Development Scheme, which it inherited
from the Rural Development Commission. The scheme offers a programme
of support in partnership (on a matched funding basis) with other
bodies, such as local authorities, Training and Enterprise Councils,
Rural Community Councils or private sector organisations. It began
in October 1996.
Grants are available to shops selling a full
range of groceries in villages with a population of 3,000 or less,
provided they are the only local shop. Help is available towards
improvements such as better access, chill display cabinets, and
electronic equipment. Grants range from between £1,500 and
£5,000 and cover up to 50 per cent of the cost. As part of
the grant-funding package the Countryside Agency's retail consultants
provide a specialist advice service covering issues such as marketing
strategies, customer care, guidance on improving viability (eg
through enhanced layout).
SUPPORT FOR
VILLAGE SHOPS
| 1996-97 | 1997-98
| 1998-99 |
| No of partnerships | 10 |
33 | 21 |
| No of grants approved | 3 |
115 | 254 |
| Expenditure (£000) | 224
| 536 | 600 |
Initial feedback indicates that 95 per cent of shops in the scheme
increased turnover.
| 
