A COMMUNITY-owned hub including a cafe, shop, postal service and garden has opened in a “bold” new initiative on Anglesey.

The Siop Mechell scheme opened its doors in Llanfechell, near Cemaes Bay, on Friday, April 1, bringing a 300-year-old shop building back to life.

It faces Llanfechell’s 12th century church and was bought and fully restored by village volunteers in 2014-15, led by Menter Mechell, the village’s own action group.

The facilities, which combine a café, postal service, shop, community kitchen, flat, garden and other village facilities, are all owned and run by Llanfechell’s residents.

Llanfechell resident Robin Grove-White, of Menter Mechell, said: “Llanfechell has always been a highly collaborative village.

“We’re determined to secure our future in these difficult times, ensuring that village life here continues to thrive and develop.

“Siop Mechell, with its café and other facilities, aims to become a hub for future social activities, local services and economic initiatives in Llanfechell.

“We’re grateful to bodies like Horizon Nuclear Power, Cyfenter and Magnox, who’ve helped fund the purchase and equipment of the building, reinforcing the far-reaching efforts of the village itself.”

The project was funded by £132,000 in grants from Horizon Nuclear Power, Cyfenter Menter Mon, Magnox, Comic Relief and the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust.

Another £55,000 was raised in donations and loans within Llanfechell itself, including grants from Mechell Community Council and Menter Mechell.

At Friday’s launch event in Caffi Siop Mechell, Albert Owen MP, Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, and other guests from across the island welcomed the new venture, which was desribed as an example of a remote Welsh village taking the future into its own hands.

Speaking at the launch, Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I congratulate Menter Mechell and all the local volunteers for their efforts in making sure that this historic building remains a hub for the local community, and I’m pleased that their efforts have paid off.”

Greg Evans, Site Operations Director, Horizon Nuclear Power said: “Playing an active role in the community is really important to Horizon.

“We’re proud to be part of such an exciting project, and wish the team all the best for the future.”