Self-service shop opens its doors at parish hall

A self-serve shop has opened at Norton Parish Hall in Littleworth.

Customers can buy items from vending machines installed in the hall’s former meeting room.

The parish is following the lead set by similar rural communities, such as in Herefordshire, in providing shopping facilities on the doorstep of residents who would otherwise have to travel to towns or cities, even for just a few essential items.

The shop was officially opened by Norton-juxta-Kempsey Parish Council chairman Kevin Fincher on the day the parish hall’s grounds hosted a family picnic event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The opening was attended by Wychavon district councillor Rob Adams and Norton Parish Hall trustee Phillippa Hallsworth, who did much of the work in setting up the shop.

From left, Kevin Fincher, Phillippa Hallsworth and Cllr Rob Adams celebrate the opening of the shop