Farron praises Witherslack shop in Westminster

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has tabled a parliamentary motion which praises Witherslack Community Shop as a 'shining example of communities working together to protect vital services'.

Witherslack Community Shop Limited was established in 2007 to enable the local community to own and run local retail services for Witherslack, Meathop, Ulpha and neighbouring communities in the Lake District. It is run by a paid manager and staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers.

The motion tabled in Parliament by Tim says: "That this House notes the benefits which community shops can bring to the local economy; notes the hard work undertaken by the Witherslack Community Shop Committee since 2007 to enable the local community to own and run local retail services to Witherslack, Meathop, Ulpha and neighbouring communities in the Lake District; and calls on the residents of South Lakes to celebrate this shining example of communities working together to protect vital services, by shopping at the Witherslack Community Shop."

Tim said: "The community shop is a wonderful asset. I always try to pop into the store whenever I visit the village. It is staffed by hard working volunteers and offers an amazing service to the community. Being able to praise the shop in Parliament allowed me to say a massive and heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who staff the store. It is a shining example of the community spirit which makes Cumbria such a brilliant place to live."

A spokesperson for the management committee commented: "It is marvellous to have the efforts of all those who work in and on behalf of the shop recognised in this way. All those involved should know that their contributions really are worthwhile, so long as people use the shop and value its role in this very special community."