PUNTERS who go out for a pint in Stamfordham will soon be able to return with five pounds of potatoes and a loaf of bread.

For planning permission has been granted to turn an outhouse at the rear of the Swinburne Arms pub in the village into a new village shop.

The proposal, submitted by pub landlady Anne Gormanley, will create a much needed source of essential grocery items in the village, following the closure of the only other shop in Stamfordham.

A statement from agents Martin Young on her behalf said: “There are public houses closing down all the time throughout the country and the creation of a small shop will help secure the pub’s continuing success into the future for the local community as well as for visitors to the historic village.”

The shop will sell essential grocery items, such as bread, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, saving villagers the car drive to their nearest main shopping area in Ponteland.

It is intended the shop will open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with Sunday/Bank Holidays opening being 8am to 2pm.

The exterior of the property will remain largely the same, apart from the replacement of the current asbestos roof on the outhouse with slates, and the addition of two Velux roof lights.

There will also be a new sign indicating the presence of the shop.

Access to the shop will be via a covered walkway to the right of the pub.