The Natural Food Store

One Piece of Uncomplicated Good news for the area is the Community Buy out of the Natural Food Store on North Lane, Headingley. ( Its number 23 opposite the Green Grocers ) The story is a familiar one. A Small and Independent shop was under threat of closure. The existing leaseholders wanted to retire and in that location it would have been a very lucrative takeaway or letting agency. However an off shoot of the Headingley Development Trust decided to attempt a Community buy out - and it worked. I'm told the financing was a bit touch and go but through a share issue and a bank Loan they have purchased the remainder of the Lease. The current stock is eclectic and will perhaps be reviewed by the new cooperative but I find it useful as it sells locally produced bread ( Bondgate in Otley and the Beth Din Jewish one on Stonegate road) and Milk. The obvious link up would be with the Monthly farmers market. A Chiller Cabinet full of produce from that wold be a commercial winner me thinks. I always like it when little guys win one and the odds were really stacked in favour of another " Night Time Economy " development. If you have a £100 to spare and are feeling philanthropic you can become a shareholder ( www.headingleydevelopmenttrust.org.uk ) and have a vote in decision making. However most readers of this blog can help best by putting pounds, shillings and pence across the counter. Its not the cheapest shop in Headingley but my visits are around a few niche products that I was going to buy anyway ( milk) or are luxuries ( The Bondgate Bread makes you wonder what super markets put in theres. Take a look if you have never been.