JURBY General Stores could re-open by September if the Department of Social Care can find a new tenant to take over the shop.
The store, which is owned by the department, is currently closed after the tenants, Carole and Ken Potter, ceased trading stating "extenuating personal circumstances".
Black Grace Cowley is currently handling commercial expressions of interest for the property which includes the retail shop unit and adjacent residential property.
The department has said it will consider all proposals to ensure it chooses the best one for the community and the tax payer. It says it is looking for a leasehold tenant who can offer excellent retail experience and good business acumen in order to offer a good quality retail facility for the community of Jurby.
A spokesperson for the department said: "We are aware the store is at the heart of the community and have been working tirelessly with the outgoing tenant of Jurby stores over recent years to help keep the retail facility open."
Department Minister Martyn Quayle MHK said: "It is very unfortunate the Jurby shop has ceased trading and I am sorry for the inconvenience this may cause in the short term to the local residents.
"I am confident the selection of a new tenant for the premises will offer a better long term quality retail facility for the Jurby community and by seeking expressions of interest from the public this will be in the best interests of the tax payer."
A plan for the Ballaugh One Stop Shop to run the store as an emergency retail facility in the interim until a long term tenant was found has also been ruled out. The owners of the Ballaugh shop withdrew their offer to provide this service after becoming aware that operating a temporary facility did not guarantee them the long-term leasehold of the property without any external competition.
For more information on the Jurby Stores property contact Black Grace Cowley on 01624 645550.
The Post Office which was housed in the Jurby Store will continue to operate from the shop premises. The opening times are as follows:
Tuesday - 8.30am - 1pm
Wednesday - 12.30pm - 4pm
Thursday - 12.15pm - 4pm
Friday - 8.30am – 1pm
Picture from Google
