Dryslwyn delight at new shop

A village action group which launched its own shop and Post Office has been applauded for breathing new life into the community.
Two years ago residents in Dryslwyn joined forces to save the closure threatened Post Office.
When the service was withdrawn, they refused to give up and decided to take on the premises themselves and run it with volunteers.
Now just 12 months later, the Dryslwyn Community Shop has generated a turnover of £99,197 with £1,000 distributed back into the community.
Residents have further plans to expand with a delivery service for older people in the surrounding area and a produce market.
Regeneration chiefs have hailed the project as a flourishing success, and congratulated the group on its tireless work to build a sustainable enterprise.
Officers from Carmarthenshire County Council have visited volunteers to see for themselves the thriving business that has been created.
Chief Executive Mark James said: "The council is committed to empowering people in their own communities and in rural areas we focus on putting sustainable services back into the community.
"The Dryslwyn Community Shop is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when residents join together in a united cause.
"I am delighted that the council has helped to give them the opportunity to develop and provide facilities that are so vital in this locality."
The non-profit company is led by directors Tony Graf, Monica French, Gerry Gold and Jo Hall, and has 45 shop volunteers and 208 supporting members.
Any trading surplus gets ploughed back into the shop or distributed to local causes.
The shop was awarded a grant of £19,277 from the Sustainable Communities Improving Access to Services project.
The money was used for flooring, electrics and a new kitchen, as well as shop equipment, a stock control system, freezers, chillers and equipment for the tea rooms.
The Access to Services project receives grant aid from the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
The aim is to strengthen the identity of communities, increase access to services, provide improved leisure and cultural facilities and support businesses so new jobs are created.
The grant was part of a major investment in communities across Carmarthenshire.
The council's community regeneration team is working to help communities and provide them with the support they need to run sustainable enterprises.
Community Regeneration Officer Rachel Davies said: “It is a real honour to assist groups like Dryslwyn Community Shop. Their passions and commitment to the cause is truly inspirational and sets a fantastic example for other communities in Carmarthenshire to follow.”
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This funding has helped to bring many benefits to Dryslwyn and addressed the loss of services that it was facing.
“This is innovative work to support and develop our communities
"I am delighted that the volunteers hard work has paid off and I commend them for their efforts."
Anyone interested in volunteering at Dryslwyn Shop can visit www.dryslwyn.org.uk

Well done: Director Tony Graf, volunteer Alan Walton, regeneration officer Rachel Davies, Chief Executive Mark James, Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson and director Jo Hall at Dryslwyn Community Hall.

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