After eight long years without a village store, the residents of Rudloe in Somerset finally have a reason to celebrate. The brand-new Londis store officially opened its doors on Wednesday, October 8, marking a significant milestone for the community’s convenience and cohesion.
The opening event drew a large crowd, including local MP Sarah Gibson, who praised the owners' dedication to revitalizing the village. Sugesh and Shara Jegasothy, proud new proprietors, welcomed visitors with goodie bags and refreshments, inviting everyone to explore the store and make their inaugural purchases.
“Rudloe is going from strength to strength,” said MP Sarah Gibson. “Following the recent reopening of the Community Centre, seeing this Londis store launch is another wonderful development. It reflects the pride and resilience of the people here, and I am grateful to Sugesh and Shara for bringing this essential service back to the village.”
Sugesh and Shara expressed their enthusiasm for serving the community. “We’re delighted to bring Londis to Rudloe after such a long gap without a local shop. Our aim is to provide a welcoming space where residents can easily buy essentials, enjoy a coffee, or simply connect with neighbours. We’ve worked hard to ensure a great selection, convenience, and friendly service, and look forward to becoming a hub for the community.”
The new Londis offers a comprehensive range of groceries and daily essentials. It features a Costa Coffee outlet, hot food options, Slush drinks, parcel collection services, and will soon introduce National Lottery ticket sales, enhancing the shopping experience for locals.
The reopening signifies a bright new chapter for Rudloe, reconnecting the village through vital amenities and community spirit.