By Kathryn Hulme
THE TILLS are ringing once again in Denshaw as a shop opens its doors in Saddleworth’s most rural village for the first time in five years.
The new ‘Village Shop’, converted from the disused public toilets in Rochdale Road near the crossroads in the village centre, is at last open for business.
It was 12 months ago that the idea for a grocery and newspaper shop was first mooted by businessman and surveyor Fred Linskey.
Now, with planning and construction hurdles overcome, the little shop has opened for trade.
The stone building may be small but Fred, who lives in Austerlands, has managed to fit in a wide range of ‘essentials’.
Alongside morning and evening newspapers, there’s a good selection of groceries and chilled soft drinks, sweets and chocolates and necessities such as washing powder, stamps and shoelaces.
Wherever possible, Fred will be using well-respected local suppliers. So as well as wrapped sliced bread, there will be freshly-baked rolls and muffins from Buckley’s in Uppermill.
And customers will have chance to order from a list of award-winning meat from Albion Farm, Delph, which Fred will deliver to their homes.
Fred said: “We’ve been out canvassing local homes and so many people have told us how pleased they are to have a shop again.
“We’re determined to become a real part of the community and we’ll bend over backwards to provide the stock villagers want.”
Fred, his wife Maxine and his sister Karen will be covering most of the shifts along with their first member of staff, Denshaw resident Sue Blackburn.
One of the first customers was a delighted resident from Range Lane who popped in for six eggs and a morning newspaper.
“This is just great,” she said. “It’s so much more convenient than driving to Delph and trying to find a parking space.
“This village has been really lacking a shop and I hope we all support it as much as we can.”
The last time the village had a shop was 2009, but the Post Office and Village Store closed its doors after 100 years because it wasn’t paying its way.
Denshaw Village Shop is open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm at weekends.
Fred would like to hear from anyone interested in working there – please call into the shop.
good luck fred and wish you all best in your new adventure?
Fred is my nephew and I want to wish all his family the best in his new endeavour. I will not be able to shop here because I live in Australia but I know you will all get a fair deal with Fred.