Northamptonshire retailer seeking fund to refurbish community playground

A Northamptonshire convenience store owner is seeking funds to refurbish a run-down playground in his community.

Postmaster Vidur Pandya of Kislingbury Village Store is actively helping his community raise funds for refurbish Kislingbury playing fields, home to football, cricket, and bowls clubs that also has a playground for children. However, much of the equipment has been there since the association was set up in the 1970s and is now broken beyond repair.

The charity Kislingbury Playing Field Association and a group of people started are running a campaign with the goal of eventually building a new play area with new equipment at the site. Unlike most village playing fields, the Kislingbury playing fields are not governed or run by a parish council, so the association has to raise its funds to maintain and improve the facilities.

So far, the community’s efforts have helped to raise around £60,000 for the new playing field. The target is £150,000.

Pandya moved to the village from London to take over the shop in February 2023. He now runs the business with his parents and three staff members, who all live in the village.

Along with collaborating closely with the Kislingbury Playing Field Association and other community members to increase awareness for the campaign, Pandya has organised an in-branch collection to encourage donations to the cause.

The 27-year-old retailer told a local media outlet, “Our store is about more than selling products and services; it’s about bringing the community together and providing a hub for those who need it.

“It’s about putting a smile on someone’s face, offering a kind word, being there for those who might not have anyone else to talk to that day, and supporting the growth of other local businesses and community initiatives,” he said.

This initiative is just one of several community-focused efforts supported by Pandya. He was also involved in the installation of a Bleed Kit on the shop's side.