A volunteer-run community shop in Bampton near Haweswater has just celebrated six months of successful operation with the installation of new facilities for passing cyclists.
Bampton Valley Stores, a general stores and coffee shop, has been run as a partnership between community volunteers, Askham Stores, Bampton Trust and Bampton Valley Community Pub since April.
It opens seven days a week with 10 active volunteers serving locals and visitors to the area. It has developed a strong reputation for its breadth of goods, service and friendliness to all.
To support cyclists visiting the Lowther Valley and Haweswater area, a new bike hub has been installed including a comprehensive bike maintenance station, bike chargers for Bosch and Shimano e-bikes, additional bike stands and lockers. Free patches for occasional punctures are available in the shop – alongside the obligatory coffee, cake and hot pasties.
The facility was majority funded by the Community Benefit Society (comprising over 500 shareholder members) which owns and manages Bampton’s Mardale Inn.
A generous supporting grant was also received from the Rural England Prosperity Fund provided through Westmorland and Furness Council, delivered by Cumbria Business Growth Hub.
Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Bampton Valley community pub in the set up of its bike hub.
“This is an excellent initiative which encourages the visitor economy in a way that helps sustain key rural assets such as a community pub and
shop.
“With our partners at Westmorland and Furness Council, we wish the Mardale Inn and Bampton Valley Stores every success with it.”
