West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that the village store in Lower Broadheath will be re-opened later this year. A group of volunteers – supported by the MP - have led a local project to return the village store and post office to full operation after the old store closed down. A share issue raised nearly £40,000 and the village’s volunteers have secured £20,000 in additional funding to enable the opening of the store – expected in November. Harriett has been in regular contact with the group, led by local resident Mark Glossop, and has worked closely with local Post Office management to ensure that postal services are returned to the village. Last year, the Government committed £370 million to support the rural post office network and to help communities like Lower Broadheath to return postal services locally and re-build the national network. Harriett commented: “I have been delighted with the hard work and positivity of the local volunteers who have driven this project successfully and it is heartening to see so many people either supporting the share scheme or offering to help out as volunteers. “I am also told that the Post Office team have been very supportive as part of its commitment to ensure that permanent postal counter services return to the village and hope that this support continues in the long-term. “Like Alfrick before, these strong communities have acted where they know there is demand for a village store and hopefully this venture will continue to be backed by local people to help out and shop there. “I look forward to seeing the new structure arrive at the Bell pub soon and will keep an eye on the site developing as I drive past over the coming months.”