A newsagent is trying to bring the heart back to Long Ditton village after extending his shop.
Manoj Patel, who runs Manny’s in Fleece Road, has recently taken over next door gift shop Heaven Sent.
The store, which used to be called Burgess News, has offered to open its doors to community police and councillors so they can meet members of the public.
He said: “The village has lost its centre and I am trying to bring it back. The community police officers are going to be based in the shop for three days a week.
“Councillors will probably be in once a month.”
Councillor Shweta Kapadia, representing Long Ditton, said: “This should be applauded. In the first instance it is a business but I think Manny sees it as a service to the community.
“I’m not sure about the councillor bit yet but certainly it has been offered.”
Check for local business stories at elmbridgeguardian.co.uk/business
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