ON SATURDAY, September 11, Clatfords Village Store held a grand re-opening event to celebrate its completion after a fire in June.

Chairman Nick Shorter said: “We had a fantastic turn out of well wishers and because the weather was so good they were able to enjoy drinks and tasters outside on our new patio area and gathered to watch speeches that were made by myself and Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Kent.

“We thanked everybody who made the refurbishment possible and for all their hard work. A special mention went out to the staff and volunteers who kept the shop open for the community throughout the pandemic.

“The store also used the opportunity to show attendees how we had used feedback from a recent survey to implement many new products and services.”

The village store faced weeks of closure after a fire broke out , caused by a freeze unit, in the early hours of June 14.

Fire crews from Andover, Stockbridge and Sutton Scotney were called to the Clatfords Village Store and Post Office in Goodworth Clatford following reports of a fire within the shop. A spokesperson for the store confirmed at the time that everyone was fine, but the shop’s stock had been damaged.

The fire began in the early hours, when it is believed the motor on the store’s freezer caught alight.