EASEBOURNE'S village shop – which lost its post office business last month – is now open for business again after being closed for two weeks for refurbishment. Trade moved to an outbuilding in The White Horse pub's car park while the shop was being revamped and became known as the 'shed shop' to locals. Easebourne Village Stores applied for a Chichester District Council rural shop grant, after it was announced the post office counter would close, and has been accepted. Owner Alex Christou said the £5,000 grant will help towards the complete renovation. Postmistress Barbara Gray, who worked at the store for 11 years, stayed on to help with the new opening, but finally left on Wednesday of last week. The shop is relying on local custom now the post office has gone. Mr Christou and his wife Sharon say business is good so far and a lots of new customers have called in. The couple now sell more lines including fresh bread, fresh fruit and veg and even toys, and there are plans to supply hot food. He said: "We are seeing people I have not seen before, which is what I was trying to do. It seems to be working so far. He added: "We were in the 'shed shop' for two weeks. That was down to The White Horse who came forward with the suggestion, which was really good of them."
