Scaffolding!

The shop is covered in scaffolding for necessary conservation work. Don’t be deterred we are open 7 days a week as usual. Drop in and cheer us up!

Press Release

Alston Moor Partnership’s Townscape Heritage Scheme are pleased to announce the commencement of repair and reinstatement works at Alston Wholefoods Shop, supported by a £1.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is the fourth property to benefit from the Alston Townscape Heritage Scheme. Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, works will take place in two phases and will include reinstatement of traditional sash windows, masonry repairs, roof repairs, repointing in lime mortar and reinstatement of the shopfront.

The first six week phase of work includes removing the existing render and repointing with lime, which will see the building scaffolded and wrapped up in hessian at times to protect the mortar against early frosts.

Situated on Front Street in the centre of the town, Alston Wholefoods is an ethical grocer and delicatessen, which offers a great range of local, organic and fairtrade foods and is renowned especially for its cheeses.  It has been trading in the town for nearly 20 years. The business is run as a workers’ cooperative, currently with 10 members.

Madeleine Parkyn, a member of the workers’ co-op, says: “We are very happy that our shop is getting a much-needed facelift. Alston Wholefoods will be open seven days a week, as usual, so don’t be deterred by the scaffolding. We hope that everyone will continue to enjoy shopping here during this necessary work.”

Thank you to Shelagh for our jolly bunting made from used plastic feed sacks and carrier bags.