Over 200 owners celebrated the buyout of the Natural Food Store in
Headingley on Saturday.

They have all invested a minimum of £100 as part of a co-operative
that raised over £100,000 to buy the business.

The Natural Food Store sells a huge range of groceries, wholefoods, and food for special diets, as well as fair trade and ethical goods, including toiletries and household supplies.

Customers were dismayed when they learned that Chris and Sue Sharratt, who ran the shop for over 20 years, were thinking of retiring.

Under the leadership of Headingley Development Trust, an Industrial
and Provident Society was set up to buy the shop and run the business.

More common in rural areas, this is thought to be one of the first community buy-outs in a city.

Society secretary, Linda Robbins, said: "We're very excited about the
future. Headingley has retained an important retail outlet and customers
and the community have taken the future into their own hands.

"Members of the co-operative will be able to share in the financial
success of the business, as well as steering its strategic direction.

"And membership is not closed. We are delighted to welcome all customers
of the shop into membership."

Organisers of the buy-out believe this is the first of its kind in a city or urban area.

Former owners, Chris and Sue, are staying on for a while as employees
to share their skills, knowledge and contacts, while new manager Stuart
McClelland has now been appointed.

Headingley Councillor Martin Hamilton welcomed the news.

He said: "This is great news for Headingley. It is very easy for people to moan about the lack of good shops in Headingley, what's great is that Headingley Development Trust are taking positive steps to improve the situation.

"The Deli Market has proved to be a big success. I'm sure the Natural Food Store will go from strength to strength under their ownership"

This is the latest success for Headingley Development Trust who have also organised a popular deli market and are moving forward with plans for Headingley Enterprise and Arts Trust (HEART) in the vacant Headingley Primary School Building.

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