TWO months after buying a former chapel to convert it into a community shop, cafe and heritage centre, a community benefit society has opened a mini-store.
Cotherstone Old Chapel project bought the chapel in May thanks to £180,000 from Durham County Council.
Since then, the volunteer group has been organising contracts for building work and has set up a mini-shop in the chapel foyer selling ice creams, drinks and sweets.
“Footfall has been good,” Chris Tarpey, chairman of the Old Chapel Project, said when he updated members of the parish council.
“We didn’t want to promote it much when we first opened as we didn’t want people standing and waiting outside.”
The doors to the chapel have also been painted a vibrant green to show a visible change, he added.
Mr Tarpey said: “Roofers are expected to start in September. We have a detailed plan and believe the money is enough to open a cafe.
“Timescale-wise it depends on builders, but realistically it is looking like next year. We have opened a mini-shop in the foyer selling drinks, sweets and ice creams.”
It is hoped volunteers will be able to help with some of the work such as lifting and removing floorboards before a new suspended floor and insulation are installed.
The group is looking to host its annual general meeting soon when a new committee will be elected.
Mr Tarpey said: “We want to encourage new people to join the committee as the more the merrier. During the last few years the work has been applying for grant funding. Now it is quite exciting times ahead and the work will be more visible.
“The mini-shop will remain open but it depends on the work. We are not trying to make it a proper shop yet.”
Chairman Cllr Vince Bendin said: “It is fair to say the parish council want to congratulate you on what you have achieved in a short space of time since the purchase.”
