Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed news that a village shop in his constituency which was forced to close last year as a result of the pandemic has been thrown a lifeline and is set to reopen.

Darren was saddened to hear during a visit to Llanfair Talhaiarn before Christmas that Siop y Llan was closing on Christmas Eve following a difficult year of trading due to Covid.

Last week he returned to the village to meet with local County Borough Councillor Ifor Lloyd to meet with locals and explore opportunities to reopen the shop.

Following discussions with Sue Tipler, the Sub-Postmistress, and Annette Tilsley (Netti), of the Swan Inn, Netti and her business partner Sian Howard have agreed to step in to reopen the shop.

It will reopen with basics such as bread, milk and eggs and then slowly increase its variety of stock and open for longer hours with a view to being fully operational by Easter.

Darren Millar MS said:

“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.”

Local County Councillor Ifor Lloyd, said:

“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.”