VILLAGERS in the Culm Valley near Wellington are looking forward to celebrating their only shop reopening on Friday (October 13) after a road closure hit a number of local businesses.

Devon County Council last month allowed a six-week closure of the B3391 in Culmstock while scaffolding partially blocked it as two houses on the street near the Culm Valley Inn were re-rendered.

It forced the Strand Stores, which has a shop, bistro, and cafe in the former village Post Office premises, to announce it was temporarily closing due to customers not being able to reach it.

Clippersharp owner Vicky Goody and independent housing advisor Wendy Kenney also said their businesses were badly affected by the road closure because customers were struggling to reach them.

Ms Goody said it was unfortunate that the work had clashed with her seasonal busy time when many horses needed clipping.

Now, workmen have finished applying the multilayered lime render and allowing it to cure so the road can be used again.

A spokesperson for the Strand Stores said: “We are pleased to announce our re-opening.

“Please join us on Friday from 5.30 pm until late for a little celebration.

“We will be fully stocked with a great selection of beers, ciders, wines, and more.

“The shop and cafe will be fully reopened from 8 am on Saturday, so message us to book your tables for breakfast and lunch.”

During the closure, the store has continued to offer outside catering and went ahead with all pre-booked catering, while customers were also able to collect pre-ordered products.