Village meeting to discuss Gainford shop closure (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Village meeting to discuss Gainford shop closure

1:33pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Stuart Laundy, Reporter (Barnard Castle & Teesdale)

THE imminent closure of a village store is to be discussed at a parish council meeting next week.

A notice has been put up in the shop, at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, blaming the current downfall in the retail sector and stating it could close as soon as Friday, February 1.

Its closure means there will be nowhere in the village to buy everyday goods such as milk, bread and newspapers.

Linda Britton, chairwoman of Gainford and Langton Parish Council, said the closure would be discussed at a meeting on Monday, February 4.

She said: “The council is deeply concerned to hear that the village shop is to close and particularly worried about the impact this will have on the elderly and people without access to their own transport.

“We have added it to our agenda for Monday's meeting and will discuss the closure and listen to residents' views.”

She added: “Gainford needs to come together as a community to deal with this issue and the parish council will work hard to help support the community in any way we can.”

The meeting starts at 7pm in the village hall and is open to the public.