A meeting is to be held to drive forward plans for a community shop after villagers voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of the idea.
A trio of residents from Gedney Dyke sent out surveys to 500 homes in the village and neighbouring Gedney Drove End to gauge interest in re-opening the village shop which closed during the summer.
More than 100 replies were received – enough for semi-retired entrepreneur Lyn Watson, chartered accountant Nina Waymont and builder and groundworker Alan Day to forge ahead with the idea.
Mr Watson said: “Every return supported the reinstatement of the shop, with residents offering to buy shares, donate money, help with fundraising and assist in running the shop on a voluntary basis.
“The reponse was unbelievable.”
A meeting will be held at Gedney Dyke Village Hall from 7pm on Friday, September 20, to discuss the next steps.
South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes has pledged his support.
Treasurer Mrs Waymont said: “It is great that John is taking time out of his busy schedule to support us.
“He is actively trying to find sources of funds for us and it is hugely reassuring he is willing to support local causes when he has so much to do on a national basis.”
The shop would be a community shop – owned and run by villagers – and would include the reinstatement of the village’s post office, which also closed recently.
Mr Watson said: “Most people said we will never get the post office back. On the contrary, I have it in writing that the Post Office will work with us to reinstate the facility.
“It’s great news, please come and support us – we can do it!”