does whitley want a shop?
In September, 2020, we distributed 547 surveys – to each household in Shaw and Whitley – to gauge the level of interest in retaining a shop in the village and to explore the services and produce villagers would like to see.
Of the 547 surveys delivered, 366 (67%) were returned. Immediately apparent from the results were some facts and figures about our village demographic and shopping habits
51% of the households that returned a survey has at last 1 occupant over 65
24% were families with children
10% said they currently did their grocery shopping online, compared with a national pre-Covid average of 34% (Office of National Statistics, 2019)
It’s clear that the villagers of Shaw and Whitley would benefit greatly from having a simple convenience store within walking distance or without the need to drive to one of the busy supermarkets in Melksham, however near they might be.
Survey results
79% of respondents rated having a village shop as Important or Very Important.
50% said they would use a village shop at least 2–3 times a week and 25% once a week. Only 1% said they would not use it at all.
51% said they would like to see a café.
98% said they would like a Post Office.
Village shop basics, such as Bread, Milk and Newspapers, all figured highly at >65% each.