Community unites to set up grocery; Villagers plough pounds 15K into ethical business.

Byline: DAVE HIMELFIELD

VILLAGERS have rallied together to re-launch their local green grocer.

The Artichoke grocer, formerly Dakers, on Carr Lane, Slaithwaite, closed on May 29 after 40 years of business.

But immediately afterwards, villagers got together to form a co-operative green grocer, fishmonger, and bakery on the site.

The store, called Green Valley Grocer, is owned and run by villagers and local businesses, who all have shares and an equal say in the company.

The co-operative has been a success so far, with more than 100 shareholders with stakes of between pounds 10 and pounds 1,500 in the business. They include Kirklees Mayor Julie Stewart-Turner and Hartley's developers, who own Globe Mill, across the street.

The business has now met its pounds 15,000 start up costs and with volunteers decking out the shop, Green Valley Grocer could open as early as today.

Four paid part-time staff will be employed. The shop will stock ethically sourced and locally grown produce from fruit and vegetables to whole foods, flowers and fish.

Artisan bakers The Handmade Bakery, currently using a back room at Mozzarellas Pizzeria, Marsden, will become part of the Slaithwaite store.

The shop will be officially opened by Clr Stewart-Turner on August 15 at 10.30am.

Co-director Helen Coxan said: "We knew The Artichoke was clos-inand we knew we had to do something about it.

"Part of this business is building a resistance to Tesco and oil prices. The idea is to be self-sufficient. We won't be having anything that's been air-freighted.

"We're hoping people will begin to see there are benefits to seasonality and that you don't need to have the same vegetables all year round.

"We hope the shop can become a community hub where people will come in for a chat, rather than just some anonymous shop.

"I think it will be hard during the rest of the recession but if you come to Slaithwaite on a Saturday morning you'll see many people using local shops. There are so many reasons to come down to Slaithwaite.

Carol Wood, who worked at The Artichoke and Dakers for five years, was employed straight away by the business.

Carol said: "It's brilliant the community is taking the grocer's back.

"I was quite surprised at the amount of interest. It proves that people want it here. They've been asking me when it's opening."

Green Valley Grocer is looking for producers in the area to supply the store.

If you're interested visit www.slaithwaite.coop or call 01484 844 417.

CAPTION(S):

KEEPING IT LOCAL: Green Valley Grocer directors (above from left) Richard Izzard, Helen Coxan, Carol Wood and (left) Carr Lane, Slaithwaite, tmc090709green-1