Sherborne St John’s very first convenience store has finally opened its doors.

Built by Antler Homes as part of its Coudray Fields development, the Sherborne Village Store was handed over in early Spring to owner Arudchelvam Uthayanan, known as Uday, who manages it alongside three other stores in the wider Basingstoke area.

Nearly two months on since Uday opened the store officially on March 14, there’s been a fantastic response from local residents.

Uday said: “The Sherborne St John community has waited a long time for a village shop - I wanted to be part of that. We have truly been welcomed – the shop is always busy and we really enjoy hearing what a difference it has made for local people.”

Selling everyday essentials, such as groceries and newspapers, the store means local villagers no longer need to travel to Basingstoke, almost two miles away, for day-to-day items.

Uday continued: “It’s easy to take the convenience of a local store for granted, but it truly does make life easier for those who just want a relaxing stroll to grab a newspaper, a pint of milk or even a bottle of wine! In addition to staple foodstuffs, there’s plenty of other household necessities too. It’s helped to make the community feel complete.”

Nigel Sawers, head of sales and marketing at Antler Homes, says: “We are really proud to have delivered this space which now serves the wider community so brilliantly. Uday has worked fantastically to make this a place that has become an intrinsic part of the village, where people feel welcome."

Uday added: “The shop’s team and I really feel at home in Sherborne St John. Getting to know local people is one of the greatest pleasures of my job.”

The Sherborne Village Store is located on Sireburne Close in Sherborne St John Village, RG24 9YZ.