Community Shops

If your community has lost its shop, or your village shop is threatened with closure, the Essex Village Shops Handbook will be able to help.  It tells you everything you need to know about how to set up and run a community owned shop.   There is also a lot of useful information on the Plunkett Foundation website where you can join the Community Shop Network, and on the Big Lottery Village SOS website.

Some recent publications from the Plunkett Foundation:
The Role of Community Shops (October 2012)
A Better Form of Business - Community Owned Village Shops (June 2012)

Also take a look at the Topic Sheets on the community led planning pages

Encourage local residents to shop locally and support village businesses by running the Ten Good Reasons campaign in your community.

EssexVillage Shops Handbook.pdf 

Community Pubs

Many communities in Essex are thinking about taking over the local pub and running it themselves as the only way to keep in open.  There is a lot of information on the Big Lottery Village SOS website , the Pub is the Hub website, and Plunkett Co-operative Pubs Online.
The publications may also be useful:
Saving your local pub 

Also take a look at the Topic Sheets on the community led planning pages

For more information about Community Shops and Pubs call 01376 574330 or email enquiries@essexrcc.org.uk