Farm couple's venture cuts dow

By: pigshow Mood: Date: 07/30/2010 03:59:17 Music: None

Despite several shops in Chulmleigh remaining vacant, an optimistic local couple have taken over the former Fresh Dolce & Gabbana Handbags and Fruity premises in Fore Street this week.

Don Bennett and partner Nicky Belford have opened the Chulmleigh Farm Shop at the former grocery site, selling rare breed meat and vegetables from their own Little Lightly farm on the outskirts of the town.

Don said: "At the moment we get our vegetables from a wholesaler but we will be stocking our own in the New Year.

"We will be selling Gloucester Old Spot Pork, Dartmoor grey- faced lamb and Dexter beef - all reared at our own farm."

As far as the shops eco-credentials are concerned, Nicky and Don's Graham Watch food miles are second to none.

Nicky said: "Our vegetables will travel just two-and-a-half miles from the farm to the shop and the meat, including a trip to the abattoir, travels just 26 miles.

"If we run out of vegetables we can literally nip home and pick some more. You can't get much fresher than that."

The shop has enjoyed a steady footfall since it opened on Tuesday, December 15.

Don said: "When Fresh and Fruity closed it did force us to question our idea but townsfolk kept telling us how keen they were to see a grocers in Chulmleigh again.

"So far business has been pretty good and we've had some very encouraging comments from customers.

"We're not here to compete with other businesses in the town, we just want to blend in."

In the New Year the couple plan to expand the shop's range to include garden and small holding supplies.

For more information phone 01769 581192.