Rural '˜Oscar' award for Napton store

A village shop in Napton that was once set to close down has gone on to blossom and win a rural '˜Oscar' award.

Adam and Hannah Slade, who run Napton Village Stores, have shown that a mix of fresh produce, everyday items and little luxuries at competitive prices can make a shop successful.

It took months of negotiations with their bank and the Post Office to show their business plan could work.

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They have now walked away with a Countryside Alliance award for Midlands Champion in the Village Shop/Post Office category.

Hannah said: “We are genuinely thrilled at the recognition as this award is by nomination and support of our customers as opposed to self nomination.”

National winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later this month.

“It is very difficult to keep a small rural business running, indeed our shop was going to be closed before we took it on,” Hannah added.

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Judge Sarah Lee said: “Hannah and Adam have not been running Napton for very long, but as long standing villagers they knew exactly what was needed, and they have provided it in spades.

“Here is a community hub that has been extended to include a huge amount of essential produce as well as gifts and local artisan produce.

“It has a friendly café area at the front where there is a small kitchen providing delicious sandwiches and home-made meals for local people and passing trade alike.

“The shop also continues to run a Post Office.

“This is a vital local service which is an increasingly 
rare and complicated endeavour.”

The store has a Facebook page and people can visit their website at www.naptonvillagestores.co.uk

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