A COMMUNITY-RUN village shop has been praised for providing an ‘essential service’.
Islington Village Shop was recently recognised nationally when it was shortlisted as one of only six finalists in the country in the prestigious Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2025 in the Independent/Village Store category.
But during a visit to the popular shop, Central Devon MP, Mel Stride, warned that the recent increase in employers’ National Insurance is placing additional strain on such small, community-run businesses.
Speaking outside the Ilsington Village Shop, Mel said: ‘This is exactly the kind of organisation that we should be supporting.
‘Ilsington Village Shop provides an essential service to residents and offers local employment.’
The shop, which moved to its current home at the village hall in 2012, is governed by volunteers and run by two part-time managers.
It reinvests any profits back into the community via a grant scheme for local organisations.
The shop offers residents a convenient way to top up on everyday essentials without the need to travel long distances.
Following the visit, Amy Luxton, Manager, Ilsington Village Shop said: ‘Thank you to Mel Stride, former councillor Martin Smith and their team for their interest and time visiting us at the Ilsington community village shop and for recognising, and raising awareness of, the importance of community shops in rural areas.’