A VILLAGE shop in Ryedale is on course to buck a general trend of decline thanks to a £14,000 cash boost.

The Barley Basket, at Welburn, near Malton, is one of the first shops in the region to be funded by the Countryside Agency's new Community Services Grant.

The grant has been used to modernise and upgrade the village's only shop and Post Office.

Agency chiefs hope the success of the Barley Basket, which opens in October, will encourage other rural businesses to apply for funding.

The new owners, Julia Brown and Jill Taylor, set about buying the property after a survey they conducted revealed a pressing need for a local facility.

"With the assistance of the Countryside Agency we came up with a business plan to revitalise the shop," said Julia.

"The grant enabled us to give the premises a facelift and introduce new products and services."

The changes Julia and Jill have introduced include a larger retail area and the introduction of a deli counter.

"This serves a range of cheeses and eggs laid by our own flock of Black Rock chickens," said Julia. "We will also be serving bread and home baking, cooked meats and sandwiches."

The existing space in the shop is to be upgraded and modernised to offer self-service shopping, while new refrigerators will enable sales of a wider range of goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

The shop will also have new doors, windows and signs.

"We knew immediately that the shop had huge potential and could really make a difference to the surrounding area," Julia added.

"Our research proved there was demand for the shop and that our new stock would be well received."

Alison John, from the Countryside Agency, said: "The Community Services Grant, as part of our Vital Villages programme, aims to help small rural communities.

"It aims to help local village shops, pubs and independent garages modernise or expand to enhance their vitality, competitiveness and profitability.

"Voluntary organisations and community groups can also apply for funding."

Funding of up to £25,000 is available. Grants covering 50 per cent of project costs are available to commercial organisations, whereas voluntary groups can receive up to 75 per cent of total costs where the project benefits the whole community.

Updated: 11:09 Wednesday, August 29, 2001