A VILLAGE shop that was forced to close last year as a result of the pandemic has been thrown a lifeline.

Sue Tipler, the sub-postmistress, Annette Tilsle, owner of the Swan Inn and her business partner Sian Howard have agreed to step in to reopen Sion y Llan following its closure over Christmas.

It followed a difficult year of trading due to Covid.

The shop will provide basics such as bread, milk and eggs while slowly increasing its variety of stock with longer opening hours with a view to being fully operational by Easter.

It comes after MS for Clwyd West, Darren Millar met Llanfair TH county councillor Ifor Lloyd to meet with residents last week and explore opportunities to reopen the shop.

“This is wonderful news for the village as the loss of the shop was a huge blow to local residents but it is now vital that people do make use of this important community facility to ensure that it stays open in the longer term," said Mr Millar.

Cllr Lloyd added: "Shops are vital for rural communities and are a lifeline for many people so I’m thrilled that Netti and Sian have stepped in. Locals now need to use it or lose it again in the future.”