THE owner of a village shop at the heart of the Whitchurch community, has put the business up for sale after 14 years.

Lucy Gardner explained that since her father Michael died last month, speculation had been rife locally, 'Is she, or isn't she, going to sell Woods of Whitchurch?’

“So, to save my WoW family from constantly being questioned, I am publicly announcing that I have put my beloved Woods of Whitchurch on the market,” Lucy confirmed.

"This wasn't an easy decision to make, but things around me have aligned, so I believe the time is right to move on and embark on the next season of my life with my dogs as I approach the age of 55.

"I can't imagine I'll be leaving anytime soon, but I wanted to be the one to tell you all."

Lucy said that she initially moved to the area to be close to her mum and dad as they grew older and both parents became part of the fledgling business.

However, her mother Valerie passed away 12 years ago and her father, who lived next door to the shop, dying a few weeks ago, has prompted Lucy to look to the future.

"A wise woman recently said that your life is made up of many seasons and now it's time for me to go,” she said and added that ultimately, she would like to move to Cornwall, where she has spent many summers on holiday and become part of a new community.

Lucy recalled that when she took on the premises, which had been the village’s shop and post office, it needed complete renovation as it had an infestation of deathwatch beetle which had destroyed all the structural timbers of the old building and had to be replaced with steel girders.

In the summer of 2011, she set up shop in the village hall selling a variety of provisions to establish the needs of the local community. Lucy opened the shop at its current location in August of that year and immediately received great support from locals.

The shop today has six full-time members of staff, overseen by Ms Gardner, who lives above the store. Lucy quipped: “I’ve spent most of my life in this building one way or another over the past 14 years.

“When the shop is eventually sold, I shall miss it. I would ideally like another family to take the business on as it is cherished locally and helps attract a huge number of tourists into the village each year.

“I admit it’s a difficult industry to be in and you have to love what you do. But it’s so rewarding.

“I believe that with dad’s passing, it has provided the catalyst and his permission to move onto the next chapter of my life.”

Lucy concluded: "Please be kind to my WoW family as this is going to be tough time for all of us to go through.”

Woods of Whitchurch has been listed by agents Christie & Co for £700,000 and the neighbouring three-bedroom property is also available as a separate negotiation.

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