Helston shop wants to stay open despite 'negativity' from community

A newly managed Helston shop wants to stay open for as long as possible, despite the negativity they are claiming to be getting from the community.

Ben Faulkner, the owner of Shop Locally, has told Nub News that he and his shop have experienced repeated 'anger' from residents about keeping the store open amidst the virus.

Ben Faulkner told Nub News:

"I just want to serve the community in the best way I can.

"We serve bread, milk, butter, eggs - we are an essential shop and I don't see why I should have to close.

"It doesn't make it easy for me when I'm getting negativity from people I am just trying to help."

Mr Faulkner claims that he has received police calls to his shop, all of which he says have been dismissed as malicious intent.

"I don't know why people want me closed, it could be because I am new to the area," he said.

Mr Faulkner, originally from Derbyshire, arrived in Cornwall back in 2016 while he was homeless.

"I arrived with nothing but my clothes on my back, so I know what it's like to struggle - it is why I want to help people so much," he told Nub News.

Mr Faulkner believes that shopping locally is important right now.

"Big companies will be absolutely fine through this, it is the little companies we need to look after," he said.

"I don't care if I lose bits of money here and there, as long as we can stay open and support the community is what matters."

The Helston shop is offering a 10% discount for NHS and key workers, you just need to show proof of identification.

Shop Locally is still offering deliveries up to fifteen miles away for essential goods, you can contact them on 01326753960.