A PARISH council has dedicated funds for security measures at a village shop following break-ins.

A meeting was held in Bishampton last week after the second break in at The Village Shop.

The Village Shop, Bishampton closed for a period then opened at reduced hours following a break in on August 2. This came after another burglary in June when the side window was smashed.

Now the parish council will pay to help keep the shop safe. A statement from the Parish Council said: "After last night’s meeting concerning the shop, we are now able to update you on progress of our actions in support of the shop.

Since the first break in, we have been working with the tenants, the police and post office to identify the most appropriate additional security measures. Following research by members of the council have now been able to commit funds to new measures beyond those required by the post office.

Orders are now authorised for security shutters, CCTV cameras and security lighting to be manufactured and fitted as soon as possible.

We trust that the community will agree our view of the importance of the shop to the villages and recognise and support our on-going efforts to ensure its continued operation."

Police say a 4x4, possibly a Discovery, was used in the burglary.

Minuets from The Bishampton parish meeting the month said: “The council agreed unanimously that the shop and post office are an important community amenity and the parish council should make within its powers, every reasonable effort to ensure its continuation.”

Auntea Rita’s Tea Lounge in Flyford Flavell had its front windows smashed on August 3. The tea room is now open after a short closure.Villagers posted messages of support to the staff online.

Nearby, in Inkberrow the Post Office was also broken into around 1am on Sunday, August 11.